School Shootings In America

The United States is known for many things: freedom, baseball, the Kardashians, and obesity. Some of these things are positive, while others point to a decaying society. But what issue is currently at the forefront of concern in America? School shootings. “School shootings” is such a prominent topic and will not be put to rest until the action itself is put to rest. Guns have played an enormous role in America for many, many centuries. Guns are such a popular topic that there is even an entire amendment that is dedicated to guns: the second amendment. The Second Amendment reads: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be fringed”, or in other …show more content…
Why do they exist in the first place? Different people will have all kinds of answers to these questions, but there is no exact answer to it. The reason that these massacres are taking place is not a result of just one thing. Every shooter may have a different reason. However, there are a few reasonings that many shooters admit to playing a part in their actions. According to statistics, eighty-seven percent of school shooters said that one of the explanations for their actions was that they “wanted to get back at the people who have hurt them” (Alfred University). In other words, they wanted to seek revenge. Also, sixty-two percent of them said that they “don 't value life,” and sixty-one percent said that they “have been a victim of physical abuse at home” (Alfred University). Some people also believe that things such as social media and violent video games can play a part in school shootings. Social media is becoming more and more popular and it is becoming quite accessible to teenagers. Approximately eighty-one percent of the youth agrees that bullying online is easier to do and get away with than bullying in person (Cyberbullying). With that being said, it is almost an effortless job for a bully to do. Another popular reasoning for shootings are the violent video games that are trending, such as Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto. Ninety-seven percent of twelve-to-seventeen year olds in the United States played video …show more content…
Almost every present nation in the world has far lower rates of gun violence than the Unites States does. Gun homicides are seven times higher in the Unites States than in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, and more. However, because of the second amendment, the ability to regulate firearms without creating an uproar is very limited. People can argue that “guns are dangerous” or “guns are helpful” as much as want, but there is no evidence proving entirely one side. But there is scientific evidence that some policies, such as restricting high risk individuals (such as felons or people with a history of violence) from access to guns, will reduce (but not eliminate) rates of violent crime. In order to keep rates down, one must start trying to prevent it by being aware of what is happening and doing something about it. For example, schools could give an assembly on discouraging bullying, ensure that counselors are involved enough is students’ lives, and even starting violence prevention programs. All of these things can teach students how to resolve conflicts and problems without resorting to violence. The earlier that a school starts these precautions, the more effective it will be. In order to prevent a shooting, schools need to become more personal and