It has become a hot topic due to the dramatic rise of school shootings in recent decades. A society that doesn’t protect its children will soon be extinct. Recently, we discussed whether teachers should have guns in the classroom. We wanted to go deeper into the topic of school shooting prevention.
RELATED STORY
Real Talk: Should Teachers Have Guns in an Era of Rising School Shootings?
How to Prevent School Shootings
As we discussed in the previous story on arming teachers, something has changed that has caused an increase in school shootings. There are many theories. These include violent videos/movies, the removal of the Bible from schools, increased bullying and overcrowding in classrooms. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause because there are so many variables. It is unlikely that it is due to one factor. It could be a combination of many factors. The question is, how can we prevent them?
We recently asked you that question on Facebook. We received many comments and heated debate.
It all starts at home
The common theme that permeated all the comments was that it all starts at home. We have lost sight of what it means to be parents, and instead focused on being friends with our children. Have we given up discipline in favor of kindness?
One reader believes so. “School shootings were not a thing in [the 1980s], but ass whippings were. One went, the other came back. We are parents, not friends.”
One commenter suggested that perhaps people don’t know how parent anymore. He said, “Prevent?” Parents must be involved in this process. It is not something that can be taught. Not all parents know how to be a parent correctly, and not everyone can figure it out before it’s too late. These people were first made a mess by their parents.
They say, “Maybe it’s better to ask how to stop the shootings.” These psycho shooters aren’t surprised to target areas where guns are prohibited. It’s not common for gun shows or NRA conventions to host mass shootings.
Could it simply be a return to the moral compass which has guided this country for almost 250 years?
They can’t be stopped 100%. We must start by making sure that our children are held accountable by their parents and teachers when they’re young. More therapy for the troubled, less bullying in schools A reader suggests that we should “Mainly bring back God into our classrooms and show our children more love.”
Some believe it should not be done at home but continue at home. Two commenters simply stated:
“Homeschool.”
“100% virtual.”
Armed Staff/Security
Similar to the discussion about arming teachers, many people look to armed security at schools.
One reader suggests that the ideas presented are fine but ineffective without an armed presence, “[There] are certainly political/futuristic/theoretical ideas. Thank you for all of those. There is only one way to protect children NOW. The rest are’maybe’s’ and ‘we should’. Without armed security, children/you/we are vulnerable.
“If they can provide [iPads] for every student in a school, they can have armed security at every school. One reader suggests that a military retiree program could be started.
Another commenter offers a solution to two serious problems: “Vets who have completed a tour can be stationed in schools as a security job.”
Another person addresses the hypocrisy in our political system. “Put as much security on the schools than the private schools have – the ones that politicians send their children to.”
People want security, not only do they want their parents to take the reins at home.
“Armed, trained staff.”
Teach Firearm Safety
Gun safety was taught in schools long ago. Children learned how to safely use firearms and how they can be responsibly used. However, mass shootings were not a result of firearms being in schools. They were more common than you might think.
Perhaps it’s not just the firearm safety aspect that needs attention, but also the mental health. One reader stated that “the obvious” is teaching children and adults about guns and gun safety. Other pieces of the pie include family involvement in students’ lives, counseling and social media. We must identify troubled students and get them assistance.
One reader suggests that it could be a combination training and other things. “Dial back and monitor [kids]’s] social media access,” she said. Know your children. Teach your children firearm safety and how to shoot. In schools, bring back shooting sports. School employees should be certified and trained to carry firearms, especially if they are vets. Encourage [extracurriculars] and sports.”
One person advocates for common-sense measures such as securing your firearm. They say, “I’m pro-gun and own guns but school shootings can still be prevented by not allowing your [15-year old] to have access to a gun until they are legally allowed to own one.” The Crumbleys were negligent. They should have kept the gun in a safe at their home with only them able to access the code. Or the person it was registered should have the gun on them. It should not be left at home for the child to take to school.
A Complicit Media?
You might have noticed the realistic nature of some of the videogames you’ve seen recently. They are graphic and reward indiscriminate murder. This is also true for today’s PG-rated films, which would have been rated R in the old days. Celebrities have a way of making school shooters famous, which appeals to young minds who are influenced by celebrity culture. While children may want to act as if they are alone, nobody dyes their hair neon pink or purple because they don’t want attention.
“Completely stop putting these things in the news. Copycats are everywhere. One reader stated succinctly, “There wasn’t such a thing when I was a child in school.”
One reader also supports the removal of violent videogames. “Stop PROGRAMMING your kids with’shoot-murder, kill’ videogames their entire lives!” Children are stupid. They can’t tell the difference between fantasy and reality. People die when one of these children has mental/emotional issues.
Prison School
Although it is not the most conducive environment for a focused learning environment, could it be time to lock down the schools? Some believe that this might be the solution:
“Metal detectors at all entryways, no backpacks or lockers (keep books in your classroom or make them online only), every teacher licensed and trained to carry in every classroom.
“But we all know that the last one will not happen because most teachers will claim their job is teach not to carry a gun and protect. Some will accept the challenge, but many will not.
Gun-Free Zones Must Be Removed
The logic of removing guns-free zones is often brought up when the topic of mass shootings of all kinds comes up. The old saying is that “The only way to stop the bad guy with his gun is to have a good guy with his gun.”
One reader said that the answer was clear: “Easy: Lift restrictions on law-abiding gun owners who prevent them from exercising their right to keep and bear arms at school. Eliminate the ‘gun-[free] zone’ so that all who want to protect themselves can do so. School shootings can be stopped early, before the body count rises.
They add, “There is no way that violent criminals can be stopped from committing their acts towards others[.] They can be stopped sooner if the people don’t limit their [self-defense] options.
Another commenter said, “[The] school that my children go to and the one that me and my wife work at that my stepsons go to already do all this.” It seems to be working well so far.
An A for Creativity
There are many good ideas, but sometimes you just have to be creative. One reader has an idea that might help you rethink your approach.
“Bring back dueling. Bullies might back down. If they did not, there would be less collateral harm.”
You could be onto something.
Personal Defense World’s first article, Real Talk: A Deep Discussion on Preventing School Shootings, appeared first on Personal Defense World.
