Responding to Shooting Threats in Schools
In recent years, the troubling surge in gun-related violence within educational institutions has become an increasingly pressing concern. According to data provided by the Violence Project, a comprehensive database dedicated to understanding mass shootings and gun violence in the United States, incidents within schools have seen an alarming rise since 2012. This highlights the urgency of addressing this issue head-on. This unsettling trend prompts a critical examination of factors that contribute to school shootings, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to curb the devastating impact on our schools and communities.
It's important for readers to consider that the data covers a range of incidents, including gang shootings, domestic violence, shootings at sports games and after-hours school events, suicides, fights escalating into shootings, and accidents. The Violence Project's research involves interviewing survivors and perpetrators of mass shootings, aiming to fully comprehend the causes of gun violence and how it can be prevented. The project attributes the rise in gun violence to fallout following the COVID pandemic, amplified by social media-induced anger, bullying, diminished faith in societal institutions, and the accessibility of guns to children.
In the post-Columbine era, American schools have approached school shooting drills as if they were inevitable emergencies, akin to fire or earthquake drills. Unfortunately, educators often overlook the fact that these drills inadvertently train potential future shooters. Moreover, these plans don't effectively prevent shootings but only show parents and the media that schools are addressing – or trying to address – the issue. So, what's the solution?
The project argues that Columbine has become a blueprint for modern-day shooters. Some even choose to commit their shootings on the 20th of a given month, since Columbine happened on April 20. Some modern school shooters reported that they could relate to the Columbine shooters because they were depressed and suicidal and wanted to pull off their own shootings as an homage to this first act of violence.
One of the early warning signs of a potential school shooter is obsession. If schools could identify students engaging in obsessive research about school shootings, intervention becomes crucial. The aim isn't necessarily to punish but to provide the necessary help. Harsh legal deterrents are unlikely to prevent school shootings, as many perpetrators see their acts as a "last hurrah," intending to die as a final act of revenge against what they perceive to be a hostile world. To these people, a school shooting is a form of suicide.
Unlike conventional security threats defending against an external enemy, school shootings are typically perpetrated by a student familiar with the building's layout, class schedules, and whatever safeguards the school may have installed. The Violence Project stresses the need for school personnel to act when observing changes in a student's behavior. According to their research, 87% of school shooters were in crisis before the incident, displaying a marked change in behavior triggered by an event at school or home. It's crucial to note these noticeable behavioral changes in the days leading up to the shooting.
Changes may include discussing suicide, heightened agitation, excessive tardiness, and self-imposed isolation away from other students. Therefore, it's crucial for teachers and students to stay watchful and take action when noticing these behaviors. In some cases of mass shootings that could have been prevented, students were aware that a possible issue but failed to report it to a teacher or responsible adult. The Violence Project believes that identifying potential school shooters during these crisis moments is the primary defense.
Meanwhile, at home, firearm enthusiasts with children should recognize that safe storage is crucial for gun safety. Biometric gun safes prevent unauthorized access while providing a quick and easy way for home defenders to access their weapons in emergencies. Given that the majority of school shooters obtain guns from their parents, any laws prohibiting kids from owning guns become ineffective.
Addressing the complex issue of school shootings demands a multifaceted approach involving increased awareness, early intervention, and responsible firearm storage. The Violence Project's information highlights how crucial it is to notice when students' behavior changes and take action to keep them safe. Schools, teachers, and parents play a vital role in creating a supportive environment to prevent future tragedies. By working together to understand the reasons behind gun violence, taking practical steps, and securing firearms responsibly, we can make schools safer for our youth. It's a shared responsibility that requires everyone to commit to the well-being of our communities.