Gun Violence in USA schools Essay Example

Review

Diverse studies have scrutinized mass shootings and the feasibility of providing firearms to educators. Considering the substantial number of mass shootings in 2018, it is unsurprising that contemplation about these incidents can be distressing.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been a total of 325 incidents this year which led to over 12,000 deaths and more than 24,000 injuries. Although lower than last year's total of 346 mass shootings in 2017, the numbers remain concerning.

According to statistical analysis, the last few years have seen four of the most deadly school shootings in recent U.S. history. In 2018, Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida became the location of the eighth deadliest shooting, resulting in the deaths of 14 students and 3 faculty members.

Between 2015 and 2017, there were several deadly incidents, including a notable one in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2017 that resulted in the loss of 58 lives. It is important to note that while not a school shooting, this incident had significant consequences.

The article "Exploring school rampage shootings: Research, theory, and policy" aimed to analyze the history of shootings from the early 20th century until 2011. Its objective was to identify similarities and differences among specific shootings while providing insights into potential reasons behind such acts and fostering a deeper understanding of why certain groups are targeted. School shootings are extensively discussed and often instill fear in people.

There is a recurring issue of school shootings in today's society, with 60 incidents recorded since 1966. Multiple attacks notably increased during the 1990s, attracting more attention and media coverage. It is notable that most shooters belonged to the white male demographic from middle to

lower-middle class backgrounds. The targets of these shootings vary, with some targeting individuals who have harmed them and others aiming to make a violent statement by targeting anyone.

There are varying reasons why people believe individuals commit attacks. Some believe that mental disorders, like severe depression, are associated with school shootings. It appears that these mental illnesses often go unnoticed prior to a shooting. Diagnosis of the perpetrator may only occur after the event has taken place. In his analysis of eight school shootings, Peter Langman identified three types of school shooters: psychopathic, psychotic, and traumatized shooters.

Psychopathic shooters lack empathy and have no sense of remorse or guilt due to their absence of emotional connection with others. They derive satisfaction from inflicting harm on others, as seen in the case of Andrew Golden, who took pleasure in torturing animals like kittens. In contrast, psychotic shooters experience a detachment from reality that impairs their understanding of their actions, often accompanied by auditory hallucinations. Dylan Klebold's writings reveal his feeling of being distinct and almost alienated. Lastly, traumatized shooters have undergone physical, emotional, or sexual abuse which can trigger their inclination towards violence.

Mitchell Johnson, who faced abuse from his father and the prospect of living with him, serves as an illustration. He realized this shortly before he and a friend executed an attack at their school. The neglect they experienced is seen as a possible motive for the actions of school shooters. Some perpetrators choose to take lives in a sensational manner before taking their own, while others do not. Moreover, violent media depicted in movies and video games adds to the incidence of school shootings.

Exposure to

violent media, specifically during childhood, can lead to dangerous fantasies and an increase in aggression. The individuals responsible for the Columbine shooting were frequent players of a game called "Doom," while Seung-Hui Cho had a preference for a military-style game known as "Counter-Strike." Bullying also plays a role, especially if it occurs repeatedly over time. In certain instances, shooters may be motivated to imitate high-profile school shootings because they believe it will attract attention from the media. It is important to acknowledge that there are multiple factors contributing to school shootings rather than one sole cause. The main focus of the article titled "Mental Illness, Mass Shootings, and the Politics of American Firearms" was to address assumptions made in the aftermath of mass shootings.

There is a controversial belief that connects mental illness to gun violence, which unfairly stigmatizes individuals with mental illnesses. Another viewpoint proposes that psychiatrists can forecast gun crimes; however, this places undue stress on people and leads to misinformation. These assumptions have been found to be flawed and not completely correct. Conversations regarding the influence of mental illness often emerge following mass shootings.

Adam Lanza, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia following his attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School, serves as an example of the connection between firearms and mental illness. To establish this link, experts often analyze the psychiatric background of those responsible for such violent acts. According to reports, around 60% of shooters in the United States since 1970 exhibited signs of mental illness.

Mass shootings are often perpetrated by individuals who display symptoms such as depression, acute paranoia, and delusions before their violent acts. For example, James Holmes sought help from a

psychiatrist specializing in schizophrenia before carrying out an attack at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. Likewise, Jared Loughner's classmates were uneasy around him due to his frequent and random bursts of laughter over insignificant matters. Eventually, Loughner shot a Congresswoman and several others during a supermarket rally. Additionally, Adam Lanza wrote a fictional story where an elderly woman used a concealed gun in her cane to commit murders. Consequently, many people associate these incidents with mental illness.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, less than 5% of the 120,000 firearm-related homicides in the United States from 2001 to 2010 were carried out by people with mental illness. Additionally, research shows that there is no consistent correlation between anxiety, depression, attention-deficit disorders, and gun violence. Furthermore, studies conducted within communities show no connection between gun violence and mental illness without substance abuse.

While the majority of individuals diagnosed with mental illness do not engage in violent acts, indicating that only approximately 4% of violence in the United States is associated with them, it should be noted that factors contributing to gun violence are more closely connected to mental illness rather than being a direct cause. Additionally, even those without prior instances of mental illness can display violent behavior as a result of substance abuse like alcohol and drugs.

Gun violence can be caused by various factors such as excessive drinking, child abuse, and being male. The risk of gun violence is higher in households with firearms, as regions with more gun ownership have seen more murders. There is a belief that psychiatrists can predict gun-related crimes, which has led to some states requiring mental health professionals

to assess their patients' likelihood of violent behavior. For example, in New York State, mental health professionals are obligated to report individuals who show signs of potential harm towards themselves or others to the Division of Criminal Justice Services. This information is then shared with local law enforcement agencies, who have the power to revoke a person's firearms license and confiscate any weapons they own.

The article titled "Equipping Teachers with Firearms to Promote Safety in U.S. Public High Schools" discussed the ongoing dispute over arming American teachers as a measure against school shootings. It asserted that there is no requirement for psychiatrists to identify individuals who may turn to gun violence.

Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of arming educators, some individuals advocate for strict gun control, attributing school shootings to firearms. They perceive the proposal to arm teachers as exacerbating the issue. Conversely, others contest this viewpoint, asserting that it would yield more positive outcomes. In 2002, a joint report by the Secret Service and Department of Education disclosed that many school shooters had experienced bullying. The evidence found at the scene indicated both their anger and potential for future violence.

In an effort to address school violence, the concept of introducing armed police officers to campuses emerged as a significant topic in the education sector. Following the tragic incident at Columbine School, it was observed that 47% of schools initiated training programs for officers, while 27% enhanced their armament by providing tactical rifles. Additionally, 22% of schools equipped their officers with soft body and tactical armor. However, the outcome of these measures revealed that schools did not achieve the expected level of safety. Reports indicated that

the high prevalence of firearm possession among individuals in the United States contributed to this issue.

Gun violence and the potential for danger among students were major concerns following the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. In response, some individuals believed that arming educators could have prevented the incident or reduced the number of fatalities. In 2013, the passing of the Protection of Texas Children Act gave school boards the authority to designate certain teachers as school marshals, who would undergo extensive training and psychological evaluations before being allowed to carry firearms. However, this decision raised considerable apprehension among educators regarding the presence of guns in schools.

The significance of establishing a zone that is devoid of firearms and narcotics was highlighted, with particular emphasis placed on the vital role of law enforcement in close proximity to thwart school shootings. It is imperative to promptly respond when dealing with an active shooter within the school premises. According to a 2012 report by the U.S. Secret Service and Department of Education, majority of school shootings concluded within a span of merely 15 minutes.

Some people believe that school faculty members, rather than police officers, could be more effective in preventing shootings due to the distance between many school districts and law enforcement agencies. In response to the tragic event at Sandy Hook, President Obama proposed allocating $150 million towards placing resource officers at school campuses. However, opponents argued that increasing the number of firearms would not effectively solve the problem and could lead to more violence and damage trust between staff and students. Instead, they suggested implementing safety plans, forming safety teams, conducting regular drills, enhancing security measures, and focusing

on the mental health of students. A survey conducted in 2013 revealed that 59% of respondents favored prioritizing mental health services while 33% wanted to hire additional security guards.

One concern regarding schools arming staff with firearms is the risk of accidental shootings and the potential for untrained individuals to access guns. This concern was illustrated through a personal experience by Jeremy Hutchinson, a former Arkansas State Senator who supports arming school personnel. During an active shooter training session in an Arkansas school district, Hutchinson was given a gun loaded with rubber bullets.

Despite initially believing he was acting in the best interest, Hutchinson ultimately fired at a teacher attempting to confront a shooter within the premises. This event prompted him to recognize the challenge of distinguishing between a shooter and a staff member, as both possessed firearms. It serves as evidence that guns do not offer as much advantage as some may assume.

Results

Research on mass shootings and equipping teachers with guns has demonstrated that the disadvantages surpass the benefits.

One drawback for teachers is the potential emotional toll it can take on them. Not all individuals handle stress well, and this includes teachers. They may become overwhelmed and react impulsively by shooting indiscriminately, or they may freeze when faced with a shooter and end up getting injured. Additionally, teachers might experience mental health problems as a result of these situations.

Teachers already have numerous concerns on their plate, such as developing lesson plans and assessing student assignments and assessments. Introducing firearms to their responsibilities would only add more weight and stress. Moreover, this additional burden might even act as a deterrent for individuals considering a career in teaching.

According to my research, my hypothesis has been confirmed.

Conclusion

I firmly believe that providing guns to teachers is a problem both for teachers and students. Arming teachers does not ensure a reduction in deaths or prevention of incidents. Introducing more guns is not the answer, as they could end up in the wrong hands and make students feel unsafe, anxious, and fearful of their teachers.

It would only harm the bond between students and teachers and create an unhealthy atmosphere. What we truly need is greater emphasis on mental health and stricter gun control. Instead of investing money in training teachers, it would be more beneficial to allocate those funds towards improving student education, such as purchasing books and computers. Failure to address gun control seriously will likely result in an increase in the number of mass shootings in America, leading to heightened fear among individuals. Modifications should be made to ensure that schools become secure environments for both students and teachers.