New Report Takes Aim at Creating Safer Schools

Every day in the United States, on average, more than 50 young people (aged 0-19) are shot, and firearms are the second leading cause of death among children and teens. It’s not like this in other countries. Kids in the U.S. aged 5-14 years old are more than 20 times more likely to be killed by a gun than their peers in other high income countries.

In a report jointly issued by five different entities concerned with reducing the damage guns are doing to the well-being, mental health and lives of school children in the U.S., red flag laws, safer storage measures and raising the age requirement for semiautomatic firearms top an 8-step plan. In a comprehensive review of shootings that have occurred in places of education, the report also makes conclusive recommendations against arming teachers, on the grounds that more rather than less deaths and injuries are likely to be the result. Top findings include:

1. Those committing gun violence on school grounds often have a connection to the school;

2. Guns used in school-based violence generally come from home, or the homes of family or friends;

3. Shooters often exhibit warning signs of potential violence; and

4. Gun violence in American schools has a disproportionate impact on students of color.

In short, the alarming trend in exposure to gun violence at school is very addressable. Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association come together in this succinct, 36-page report to describe what is happening and what can & should be done about it.