This recent shooting struck a deeply personal chord for me. A close friend of my son was in the classroom next to the incident. The mere thought sends chills down my spine, filling me with sorrow for her and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. When I brought up the topic with my 14-year-old son to gauge his feelings, he confidently said, “The security officer at school will keep us safe; this could never happen here.” His belief in his own safety reassured me, but I hesitated to share the grim reality: there have been 18 school shootings in just the first 45 days of 2018. Disturbingly, many of these tragedies involve students turning against their peers. Unfortunately, these attacks are often meticulously planned, and even the most vigilant security measures can’t guarantee safety. Such incidents can occur within school walls or on surrounding grounds.
Gun Rights Versus Gun Control
I hold onto the hope that one day we can move beyond the endless cycle of debate over gun rights and gun control. The discussions typically devolve into the familiar arguments of “guns kill people” versus “2nd Amendment Rights” and “guns for protection.” We find ourselves caught in a battle of opinions, resulting in stasis and ultimately no significant change.
Research consistently points to one undeniable fact: the alarming rate of mass shootings in America correlates directly with the staggering number of firearms in circulation. The reality is that the United States has some of the most lenient regulations regarding gun purchases and ownership. Dan Smith, a journalist from the UK, remarked on Twitter two years ago regarding the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, “Once America decided killing children was bearable, it was over,” summarizing the end of meaningful gun control discussions.
Rather than list all the ways to enact gun control laws, I propose a straightforward principle: the more lethal the weapon, the stricter the licensing requirements should be (for example, obtaining a pilot’s license is far more demanding than getting a driver’s license). This could involve training, certification, comprehensive background checks, and periodic renewals. Additionally, certain types of weapons should only be available to specific professionals, such as machine guns and explosives. It’s shocking that I could have easily purchased an AR-15 online last night—no exaggeration.
Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Schools
Integrating social emotional learning (SEL) into school curriculums from kindergarten through 12th grade is crucial. Many educational institutions fail to teach effective ways to handle emotions such as anger, anxiety, and frustration. There’s a significant lack of guidance in emotional regulation, identifying core values, and problem-solving skills. These elements form the bedrock for managing challenging emotions, strengthening moral compasses, and ultimately fostering sound decision-making.
Understanding emotional states is essential. Research indicates that emotional intelligence contributes significantly to: (1) attention, memory, and learning, (2) decision-making, (3) relationship quality, (4) mental and physical health, and (5) overall performance and creativity. Numerous studies advocate for SEL integration in schools and at home due to its enduring positive impact. For more insights on how SEL can be woven into education and parenting, check out this article on Modern Family Blog.
Identifying At-Risk Individuals
The profiles of mass school shooting perpetrators often reveal risk factors linked to criminal behavior, such as a background of abuse, ineffective parenting, or a disturbing inclination toward violence. Contrary to popular belief, most individuals with mental health issues are not violent. However, the most common mental illness associated with mass shootings is paranoid schizophrenia, characterized by delusions of persecution. Data surrounding school shooters, however, presents a different picture.
Research shows that school shootings and similar violent acts are rarely impulsive; they are typically premeditated. Many offenders are drawn to violent films, video games, and exhibit an obsession with firearms. A striking 61% are motivated by revenge, and 75% report feeling bullied or threatened. Awareness of the “Werther Effect,” where one act of violence inspires others, is crucial. These incidents are often well-publicized, which can trigger similar acts in the aftermath.
In nearly all cases, clear warning signs were evident through social media, behaviors, and histories of the perpetrators, indicating their potential for violence. Typically, shooters are white males from middle to upper socioeconomic backgrounds. Schools need psycho-education for their staff, including administrators, teachers, and social workers, to recognize these risk factors and understand the protocols for reporting them.
Advocating for Accessible Mental Health Services
As a community, we must advocate for legislation that provides low or no-cost access to trauma-informed mental health services, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children and families impacted by these tragedies. Often overlooked, bystanders also require support.
Effective trauma treatment can significantly reduce the risk of developing conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder. Survivors and witnesses may experience a range of emotions, including anger, guilt, and fear, along with physical symptoms affecting memory and relationships. Timely counseling can mitigate adverse psychological effects and help survivors navigate their recovery.
The Call for a Comprehensive Solution
Real and lasting change will only emerge through comprehensive reform. We need to adopt both preventative and responsive strategies. When I send my children off to school, I find myself hugging them a little tighter. A new fear gnaws at me—it’s as if I’m sending them into danger. Every child deserves the fundamental right to safety and security.
Let’s stop the endless debates and start taking decisive action to protect our children.
Summary
The ongoing debate over gun rights and gun control needs to evolve into actionable strategies to enhance school safety. With alarming statistics regarding school shootings, we must prioritize emotional learning in schools and advocate for better mental health resources. Recognizing at-risk individuals and implementing comprehensive solutions is essential for protecting our children and creating a safer environment.