Gun Violence in the United States Schools
By: Arely Hernandez
With an increase of school shootings on a daily basis in the United States, it is clear there is a huge problem to address in this country. In 2019 gun injury became the leading cause of death among children. According to School Shootings in the United States: 1997-2022, "The United States has had 57 times as many school shootings as all other major industrialized nations combined." Now why is this? many people have different arguments for this increase, however, the leading one being a lack of strong gun control.
Schools are supposed to be safe places for our children to grow, children should not have to fear each day if a peer or a stranger will target them at school. Children should be able to attend school without being afraid of going to school. They should not have to worry about their safety and their friends safety. Children should attend school with their academic being their biggest worry. However, in a country where gun laws are valued more than children's safety and mental health is not an issue taken seriously, a culture where tragic events like school shootings have become a common occurrence if formed.
Due to easy access to weapons in the U.S. just about anyone can get their hands on a gun. In the U.S. the citizens' right to bare arms is protected by the second amendment of the constitution. Depending on the state, regulations and rules to carry can vary, meaning in some states obtaining a firearm is a much simpler process than stricter states.
The requirements to obtain a gun in the more stricter states consist of;
Getting a state permit to purchase any firearm, and you must be 21 years old to squire a permit. It should e noted that in recent years the process does also require applicants to complete a firearm safety training course, provide background information, and pass a comprehensive background check.
However, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, issues mainly arise form the fact that "while federal law requires background checks formal gun sales by licensed gun dealers, it does not require background checks from guns sold by unlicensed sellers." Meaning, firearms can still find their ways to the wrong hands through these types of loopholes. Also, depending on the state the individual is purchasing a firearm, the rules and requirements vary. from here it is possible for people o travel pass state lines after obtaining a gun.
On top of this there is also the chance of faulty storing weapons in homes, this can then lead to easy access for individuals struggling with mental health issues which then can lead to catastrophic events where they can cause harm to themselves and or others. Sandy Hook Promise states, "An estimated 4.6 million American children live in a home where at least one gun is kept loaded and unlocked. these improperly stored weapons have contributed to school shootings, suicides, and the deaths of family members , including infants and toddlers." With this high statistic it is no wonder guns are the leading cause of death among American children.
According to the Sandy Hook Promise, "Each day 12 children die from gun violence in America. Another 32 are shot and injured"- " Since the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999, more than 338,000 students in the U.S. have experienced gun violence at schools." The Columbine shooting was one of the first shootings that brought major attention to the issue. Like the Sandy hook shooting, both of these tragic events were pivotal in the American media in reinforcing the dangerous trend of school shootings.
For a first hand experience I reached out to three current high schoolers who all attend different schools to see how similar or different their perspectives on the matter are. Bellow are all of their answers unedited.
Donna Portillo Angie Alfaro Gissel Ortez
12th Grade 11th grade 10th grade
Question 1:
Do you feel safe when attending school? is it ever a worry for you that there might be a shooting at your school?
D: "Feeling safe at school can vary. Sometimes it's just a gut feeling that tells me that something is off and I should be cautious, nut other times it feels like a normal day attending school. I constantly worry about a school shooting occurring. Based off the shootings that I've heard about in other schools it makes me realize that anyone is truly capable of it, even the ones who we least expect it from so yeah, I always think about the possibility of it happening."
A: "I would say at times I do feel comfortable/safe but there are times where I fear that it can sometimes happen. I do worry a shooting might happen since you never know if it can happen, or once I'm in college as well."
G: "I feel somewhat safe when attending school. We are a small school when compared to others where shootings have happened, but anything is possible and the thought of a school shooting does cross my mind at least twice a week."
Question 2:
D: "Having securities, random backpack checks, and having more accessible plans like routs to evacuate quickly or having all doors lock automatically at the time of danger."
A: "Safer precautions, such as increasing security measures, or guard watching the school."
G: "More backpack checks, observant staff, as well as better security guards."
Question 3:
What do you think could be dome to help or prevent future school shootings?
D: "I believe the issue with these school shootings is giving teens access to guns that should mot be in their possession. Therefore if parents have a gun in the house, don't tell your kids about it or at least keep it safely locked away. Guns should not be sold to kids under any circumstances. Also, a number of these school shootings occur due to people with mental issues, so having teachers or counselors check in with every student throughout the year would allow everyone to be more cautious towards someone who is struggling, and help them. However, school shootings are not only from students inside the school, they can be from strangers around the school, which is why every school should have security guards that confront something they might see as a possible threat."
A: "What could be done to help prevent future school shootings is stricter gun control measures and improving mental health services and support fro those who think of buying a un or doing something with a gun and putting others in danger. Promoting a positive environment and training for staff and students how to recognize and address warning signs of violence and how to be ready just in case a shooting foes happen. Overall, banning guns and being a certain age such as 21 to buy a gun, so innocent lives don't get taken."
G: "I believe there should be better education such as presentations about why gun control and certain safety measures are necessary since some students don't really pay mind to these types of talks. Guns should not be sold to people under 21 and when and if someone if buying a gun, background checks of the person should be done to make sure they don't have a criminal background or if they have suffered through a bad mental state before. There should be better mental health care services to people and students, it's a talk that should be normalized as people still believe mental health issues are "not real". Both students and stand should be trained as to what to do or where to go no matter where they are in their campus. Some type or safety room might also be helpful prevent death in cases of shootings. Students shouldn't be overwhelmed with assignments as they might be a factor for a bad mental health and more positive entertaining events should be offered at schools."
As stated before by Sandy Hook Promises, "An estimated 4.6 million American children live in a home where at least one gun is kept loaded and unlocked." with this is mind it makes sense why Donna brought up the importance of keeping firearms locked away. 4.6 million is an alarming number, by simply storing guns away so many lives could have been saves these years. With that being said awareness on the matter is important. If guns are protected by the second amendment in the United States, at least reinforcement from the law to proper storing of firearms must be installed somehow.
Question 4:
What are some steps taken at school to prevent events like this from happening? For example meetings, extra security measures, drills, etc.
D: "At my school, the only thing that has been taken into place are the drills. I would say we review the drills about every month or so, reading powerpoint's about the steps we need to take if it occurs someday. At random times during the school year school administration does lockdown drills of all kinds, the soft or hard lockdowns, and we have to stay quiet and away from the windows. When a school shooting has happened and it's all over the news, it is brought up during our assemblies so that everyone is aware about the situation we are living in."
A: "Some steps taken are drills, and security cameras, or going around the area to make sure nothing is going on. Usually, I don't practice drills for shootings but once every year we at least practice once. Since, my school is small they have cameras and staff checking the areas as well."
G: "We do lockdown drills around every 2-3 months. My School has implemented drills during lunch as well so students have an idea of what to do or where to go in case they are outside. We also have whole school meetings about the topic sometimes and staff that walk around during breaks and class."
Hearing how these students have grown to a custom of having shooter drills is really heartbreaking. Back in the day drills mainly consisted of earthquake, tornado, fire drills and etc. but shooter drills were never a concern. The increase of shootings over the years have prompted schools to placing shooter drills as necessary. In some states the ideas of arming teachers has also joined the conversation. However, as many have states, teachers should not be armed at schools as that can lead to more harm than help in some cases. Also, instead of adding more fire to the flame, removing and regulating firearms on a government level is the better option.
Question 5:
Why do you think school shootings have become so normalized these days? Do you think gun laws have something to do with it? If so do you think the gun laws in place are effective?
D: "I believe they have become so normalized because there have been no strict safety measures applied to the schools by the government, such as gun laws. Every state had different approach to their gun laws which is why students might have easy access to guns depending on the state. Every state had different needs to do something to enforce a stricter gun law to the whole country. These gun laws that are in place now are not effective because there are so many cases where unauthorized people are being given a firearm, causing harm to those around them like in a school setting."
A: "They became so normalized because there is easy access to guns, lack of support for troubled individuals, mental health issues. the news as well contributes to it becoming so normal. by exaggerating it and inspires copycat behavior. gun Laws doe have something to doe with it because stricter gun control measures can prevent people from harming others or themselves, and risk these events happening. I would say they are effective it just depends since some measures may be ineffective to reduce gun violence."
G: "I think it's been normalized because of the government's reluctance to enact stricter gun control laws. Another reason is because crime and violence itself has already been normalized because of how much is seen and shone in a singular day, and there isn't enough support being provided to people who need help. We aren't paying attention to signs that are given when people need help. I think people in other places might not pay as much mind to this because it isn't something that their community is struggling or something that they've experienced."
During this question the idea of copycat behavior being a possibility to come from these shootings is very interesting but not something far fetched. As previously mentioned the Columbine High School shooting was a widely covered case in 1999, so much so even in present day there are various documentaries covering this event. I bring this up because there have been recent shooter claiming to have been inspired by shootings like the Columbine High School shooting. As horrible as it is, these shootings have become a "rise to fame." People who think like this clearly need assistance with their mental health issues. Furthermore, as the girls have expressed a need for fixing and reframing the current gun laws is necessary as it is clear the current restrictions are not helping anyone.
Question 6:
Do you think mental health has an impact in this situation? If so, how exactly?
D: "I believe mental health does have an impact because there are people who have mental struggles but are not getting anything done to help. Those with poor mental health sometimes act impulsively and irrationally which causes them to do something that seems right to them, but wrong to the public. these people need to be provided with special recourses to help them get though their mental struggles the correct way."
A: "Mental health does have an impact because there are many who struggle and don't know how to impact because there are many who struggle and don't know how to find the correct help. Helping those by providing recourses can help prevent these tragedies."
G: "Yes, mental health has an impact in this situation. Not only can people be affected by a school shooting, but the majority of school shooters have been people who were going though mental health problems."
As the girls explained mental health is very important and in often times can be the leading factor to these types of events. This is why support systems are very important inside and outside of schools. Also, I really liked how Gissel brought up the effect school shootings can actually have on the students. Mentally it is taxing to be worried of and or to witness an event such as these. I definitely alters the way American children grow up. I remember hearing stories of people from the United States mentioning stories of them being abroad and reacting very startled and ready to run when hearing a loud noise but then their abroad counterparts remind them that shootings are only common in the U.S. meaning we have gotten so accustom to immediately relating loud noises to a shooter. On a personal note this weekend I was at the mall with my mom eating at the food court and when all of a sudden we started hearing loud noises like distorted screaming from another part of the mall I noticed everyone tense up and look in that direction. As the screaming got louder I would see people almost beginning to run and walk fast away from that direction, however, once the noise died down and nothing followed it everyone went back to their worlds. I share this because I was so sure it was a shooter or something, but this type of mentality isn't something only I shared in this moment I could see everyone near me thinking the same thing. This is only something possible due to how common shootings are in this country.
Question 7:
Have you personally experience any school shooting events or close calls?
D: "I have never been in a direct school shooting, but I've been in some close calls. In middle school, we had a lockdown because there was someone outside of the campus who was carrying a gun. Apparently he was right in front of the school and they made us all hide behind the building, since I was at recess, because "if he sees people then he might do something," which is something you never want to hear at school. The second one happened about two weeks ago. these was a lockdown right when the bell rang for us to go home but there was new that there was someone with a weapon around the school and they didn't want us heading home around the armed person. We were all dismissed about and hour later."
A: "I have personally experienced a shooting event where I was in the 2nd grade during an after school program I used to stay at. My elementary school wasn't that big but it was also close to a dangerous neighborhood. I remember so vividly the teachers telling us to stay inside and quiet. I remember seeing my friends crying quietly since we did hear a gun being shot. We didn't get put till 10:30ish pm, my dad feared something happened to me. I always remember this tory because I was so young, I heard helicopters everywhere, police and ambulances carrying hurt people."
G: "There have been 2 events where I have experienced close calls. In second grade I remember going into a lockdown beaus they experienced a close call. There was was someone I the campus who had some type of weapon but it isn't something I remember clearly, the second time was in the 9th grade. It was the last class of the say which was P.E. for me and at about 2:40pm we went into a soft lockdown. Our teacher made us hide in this workout center we have and all doors around that place were ;locked. The event wasn't in our school but it was around. It was someone who has hidden at a nearby house. Later on it turned into a hard lockdown. We were stuck in there until 10pm with no water and a small granola bar the the ended up giving us. I remember kids crying as they reunited with their parents. We didn't have any casualties but it was defiantly a scary experience."
Hearing these close calls gives chills but even more when you think about how on an average American children at this day and age are likely to have stories like these. In situations like these it is great that schools were able to act accordingly in order to protect the children, however, we shouldn't even have this worry to begin with. A fear of sending your child to school and them potentially not coming back should not be a thing. The most effective solutions in these situations is to actively change gun laws to restrict access to guns and ultimately lessen the chances of these from happening.
Based off the interviews I had with these high schoolers, it is clear there is a problem,. Each of them can recall close calls to a shooting. This type of consistency is troubling to say the least, children should never be able to recall events where their safety was in harms way due to an armed individual. There should never be a crossover between schools and guns. As they have shared there are measures their schools are taking to prevent and prepare for these events. "We review the drills about every month or so, reading powerpoint's about the steps we need to take if it occurs someday." and "drill, and security cameras, or going around the area to make sure nothing is going on." Due to the high level of prepping in case of a shooting, these students all seem hyper aware of the possibility of becoming targets. Due to this their shared fear and worry when attending school is totally valid.
It should be noted considering how all the girls shared the view of mental health being ties to this issue is telling. As they explained "These people need to be provided with special recourses to help them get though their mental struggles the correct way." and "A number of these school shootings occur due to people with mental issues, so having teachers or counselors check in with every student throughout the year would allow everyone to be more cautious towards someone who is struggling, and help them." by providing more access to mental health care and check ups, there will be a decrease shootings overall. If the government would invest into this care, it would help prevent these types of tragedies from happening.
In regards to gun laws, as states by the girls "Every state has different approach to their gun laws which is why students might have easy access to guns depending on the state, but the government needs to do something to enforce a stricter gun law to the whole country." If there were stricter gun laws which are not left up to each state to determine, it would be harder to get a gun and so it would restrict access to firearms tremendously compared to today. By controlling gun laws over the entire country, there would be easier and a better system to monitor firearms activities.
Also, considering how there are a large number of cases in which mental health was a leading factor for these tragedies, helpful mental health organizations should be put in place as a prevention measure. Policies requiring students to receive mental health help in schools should be put into place in hopes to catch possible perpetrators before it is too late. According to the Sandy Hook Promise, "In 4 of 5 school shootings, at least one other person had knowledge of the attacker's plan but failed to report it." This is usually the case but only because there are signs leading up to these events. with proper preventative measures like mental health access in schools, signs can be caught and handled before it's too late. Change must be had to protect our future generations.
Interviews: Donna Portillo, Angie Alfaro, and Gissel Ortez
Work Cited
Papa, L. J., Katiyannis, A., Scott S. S, & Durham, O. (2024). School shootings in the United States: 1997-2022. Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-064311
Sandy Hook Promise. (2024, March 7). 17 Facts about gun violence and school shootings. https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/blog/gun-violence/facts-about-gun-violence-and-school-shootings/
Everytown. (n.d.). Background checks on all gun sales | Everytown. https://www.everytown.ogr/solutions/background- checks/#:~:text=This%20is%20to%20ensure%20that.prohibeted%20from%20having%20the%20gun.&text=While%20federal%20law%20requires%20background,online%20or%20at%20gun%20shows.
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