Kids and youth should be able to go to school without having to worry. We know a safer future is possible. Yet today, over 50% of kids worry about a school shooting. Many other kids - especially Black and Latino youth - worry about shootings on their way to school and may have been affected by gun loss in their own communities.
Research shows there are ways we can make schools safer, but they may not always be what we think. There are three clear categories of ways we can reduce school related gun violence. It’s important to note that until recently, there has been little research as to what actually works to reduce school shootings and gun violence around schools. As communities and states, we need to be prepared to change our approach as we learn more about what works.
Reduce youth access to firearms
- Increase secure storage of firearms. Three out of four school shootings involved unsecured firearms owned by the shooter’s family member or friend.
- Raise the age to 21 for the purchase of semi-automatic rifles, which today in Oregon can be purchased by 18-year-olds, which is why they are commonly used in school shootings. (You must be 21 to purchase a handgun under federal law).
- Ban high capacity magazines (those with 10+ rounds, which allow shooters to shoot without stopping). Research has found the gap in time required to re-load allows shooters to be disarmed and has saved lives, providing a crucial opportunity for people to escape.
Improve mental health supports for schools and families
- Increase school mental health counselors
- Ensure schools have regular threat assessment teams
- If running active shooter drills, only run drills with adults as research shows active shooter drills with children may cause harm and to-date, shows little benefits
- Train educators and professionals to talk to students about their worries around gun violence and gun related tragedies
Improve security and physical environments at schools
- Ensure schools have single points of entry
- Ensure teachers have ways to communicate in an emergency including radios
- Improve school and surrounding environments, including lighting in and around buildings
Together, we can create real, lasting change, and make sure all students feel safe in and around their schools.
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