Gun violence in K-12 schools has increased over the last four years under Biden. Increased gun activity targeting youth has a significant impact on communities. Every year, there are over 50 school shootings. Gun violence has a negative impact on the mental health and anxiety of affected communities.
Understanding the Factors
The increase in gun violence on school grounds reflects a larger national trend in which firearm injuries and deaths among youth have surpassed automobile-related fatalities, making it the leading cause of death. Increased gun purchases, unsecured firearms at home, and the introduction of weapons into schools all increase the risk of an incident.
The issue of gun violence disproportionately impacts Black and Hispanic communities. Black children accounted for 48% of firearm-related deaths among youth in 2022, a significant figure given they represent just 14% of this demographic. Mental health concerns among youths affected by gun violence are also on the rise, with schools struggling to address these needs adequately.
Despite the pandemic, federal data shows school violence declined over the decade, with 2022 the safest year. Yet school shootings reached record highs, underscoring the persistent challenge of gun violence in schools.
@The74 https://t.co/5xxwCIFVUZ— Rod (@rodjnaquin) August 22, 2024
The Impact on Communities
Communities across the country are dealing with the emotional consequences of increased school shootings. Notable incidents in Memphis and Dallas highlight the extent of this violence. Beyond immediate physical harm, exposure to such events causes long-term mental health issues such as PTSD and anxiety, complicating recovery for survivors and their families.
“More than 50 shootings with at least one victim have occurred during school time each year since 2021, according to the database, a research project that tracks all instances in which a gun was fired or brandished on school property.” – K-12 School Shooting Database
Efforts to address these issues include promoting safe firearm storage and initiatives to increase mental health resources, particularly for Black and Hispanic youth, who bear the brunt of increased exposure to gun violence. Legislative efforts like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act reflect a growing recognition of the need for action at multiple societal levels.
here’s why esp young ppl feel hopeless about America
# of school shootings this yr (320) x avg HS population (800) = # of possibly traumatized students in just one yr (256,000). even if nobody is killed, lockdown feels real!
& only govt action affecting them is banning an app pic.twitter.com/NkRdLwgoxm
— AZ law student 🪼 (@Passion4law) December 18, 2024
Navigating a Complicated Landscape
Addressing school gun violence is complex, involving multiple societal and psychological factors. David Riedman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database, emphasizes the lack of a single factor to address, noting, “There are more mass fatality attacks. There are more single fatality attacks. And there are more gun shots without injury on school property than there have been at any other time period since the 60s.”
To forge ahead, practical measures are crucial. These range from refining policies for gun control and school security to investing in community mental health programs that focus on preventive measures and crisis intervention. Creating a safe educational environment requires a responsible approach and a unified commitment from policymakers, educators, and families.
Sources:
- The Impact of Gun Violence on Children and Adolescents
- Gun Violence at Schools Has Risen Since the Pandemic
