Nashville (US): For the first time, students in Arkansas, Tennessee and Utah will be required to learn gun safety in public schools, with lessons beginning as early as kindergarten. The new laws direct schools to teach children how to react if they find a firearm and promote safe storage practices at home.

Only Utah allows parents to opt their children out of the programme, while similar legislation in Arizona was vetoed. Lawmakers in several other states are considering comparable measures amid rising concerns over gun violence.

In Tennessee, lessons may use games, songs and animated visuals, focusing on the message: “Stop, don't touch, leave quickly, tell an adult.” No real firearms are used, and the approach mirrors safety materials from hunting education programmes and the NRA's “Eddie Eagle” initiative.

Supporters, including the nonprofit Voices for a Safer Tennessee, say such education could prevent tragedies by encouraging children to report unsecured weapons. Critics argue it places responsibility on children rather than adults to ensure gun safety.

Firearms remain the leading cause of death among US children and teens, according to the CDC, with Arkansas and Tennessee exceeding the national average.