First in the U.S.: Tennessee Requires Gun Safety Classes for Children Starting at Age 5 | WPN World People News

Public health officials in the United States have identified firearms as the leading cause of death among children and adolescents. Tennessee has become the first state in the nation to pass legislation mandating gun safety education for children, with public schools beginning implementation this year. Children as young as five will now receive gun safety instruction.

According to guidelines released by the Tennessee Department of Education, students aged 5 to 8 should be able to distinguish between toy guns and real firearms. The curriculum is designed to teach children to "demonstrate a responsible attitude toward firearms" and to recognize various parts of a gun. This course will be a required subject for all students from elementary through high school graduation, to be taken annually.

The state’s guidelines do not specify how the course should be taught or how much time should be allocated to it, but they clearly prohibit the use of live ammunition, actual shooting, or real firearms during instruction. Teachers must also remain neutral on political issues. Schools are allowed to invite police officers or public health experts to assist with the lessons.