In an effort to enhance firearm safety education, a bill has been approved by the Utah House of Representatives mandating that students, starting as early as kindergarten, receive instruction on how to handle firearms safely. This legislation passed with strong bipartisan support in a 59-10 vote and is on its way to the Senate, even though concerns have been raised by some advocates for gun violence prevention, who argue that this requirement could be too much for young children.
Under the proposed law, K-12 students in Utah’s public schools would participate in mandatory lessons aimed at teaching them how to react if they come across a gun. These lessons could be conducted through videos or in-person demonstrations using a safe firearm, focusing on the essential practices for safe handling and storage to prevent accidental incidents.
Specifically, elementary school children would receive at least three lessons about gun safety by the time they finish sixth grade, with the possibility of starting as early as kindergarten, when students are roughly five years old. Representative Rex Shipp, a Republican from Cedar City and the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that the goal is to reduce accidental shootings involving young children. He assured that the lessons would be tailored to be age-appropriate, teaching younger students to refrain from touching guns and to notify an adult immediately if they see one.
Shipp pointed out that many children do not have exposure to firearms in their households nor participate in shooting sports, so they lack knowledge on how to act upon encountering a gun. Currently, Tennessee is the only other state with a law that mandates firearm safety education in public schools, although that legislation gives education authorities the flexibility to decide the grade levels for instruction. In Tennessee, lessons will be annual and exclude the use of live firearms or ammunition.
Although Utah already has a statute permitting firearm safety education, schools have not routinely implemented it. Shipp’s bill would change that by making the instruction compulsory, while also allowing parents the option to withdraw their children from these classes if they choose. If the bill is also approved by the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans, and subsequently signed into law, the firearm safety lessons are set to commence in the next academic year.
This legislative initiative follows last year’s decision by Governor Spencer Cox to fund tactical training for teachers who wish to carry firearms in schools. Advocates for this approach argue it is a means of incentivizing teachers to protect their students, while critics have raised concerns that it increases the risk of students accessing guns. While some gun violence prevention advocates commend Utah Republicans for expanding firearm safety education programs, others contend these lessons should focus on adult responsibilities rather than burdening children.
Barbara Gentry, representing the Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah, criticized the proposal for placing the onus on children instead of their parents. She stated, “Guns and gun safety are the responsibility of the adult gun owner, not school children. We support schools sending home materials to parents outlining the importance of safe storage in keeping our families and schools safe from gun violence.”
Jaden Christensen, a volunteer affiliated with the Utah chapter of Moms Demand Action, echoed similar sentiments, urging lawmakers to prioritize initiatives that educate parents about the need to secure firearms away from children. “The burden should always be on adults,” she asserted.
