How To Prevent School Shootings
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Posted by Barbara Pytel Jan 26, 2007 |
Present Practice
Schools are taking precautions by installing metal detectors, surveillance cameras, and security patrols in the schools. In spite of this, school shootings continue.
The Statistics
Since 1990, school shootings have actually decreased according to Nick Perry, The Seattle Times. Media coverage of the events is greater today and gives the illusion that the situation is becoming worse. It is not. However, parents are mandated by law to send children to school and schools should be safe.
In the past there have been links to bullying and school violence, but recently more and more shootings seem unrelated to what is happening in school. The Amish School shooting is an example.
Experts Speak Out
Ron Avi Astor, a professor at the University of Southern California is a specialist in school violence. He said, "In most school shootings, there were fairly large groups of students who knew the person had a gun, had the intent and made threats. It is extremely rare that a shooter doesn't talk to anybody about it first."
The Solution
One thing didn't cause this situation and one thing can't fix it. But, the experts do make suggestions.
- Design schools without nooks and crannies to hide in. Schools are now being designed with better vision of the hallways, parking lots and playgrounds.
- Target at-risk students and monitor them by talking with them frequently, forming small groups, and have teachers report any change in behavior.
- Well-trained staff and communication with students is probably the best deterrent.
- A student body that is trained to report a stranger in the parking lot or a student who is having problems.
While having surveillance cameras may be somewhat helpful, the cameras are often used to record the violence because no one was aware of the situation unfolding. Knowing the students and having a two-way communication is the best solution to the problem.
Related articles:
The Fourth Born in the Classroom
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.