School shootings are a serious public health crisis with far-reaching consequences for the school community and beyond:
Gun violence is the leading cause of death
Gun injuries are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States.
Mental health impacts
Even students who survive a school shooting without physical harm may experience long-term mental health issues.
Effects on the community
School shootings can lead to violence in the surrounding neighborhoods and impact relationships between parents, the school, law enforcement, and local government.
Access to firearms
Many attackers use firearms that they access from home, often from an unsecured location.
School Safety
School safety experts and the U.S. Secret Service agree that arming teachers is not a good policy.
Student behavior
Students' behavior at school is influenced by their experiences at home, school, with peers, and in the community.
Student treatment
Students may feel that they are not treated equally at school, which can lead to resentment and violence.
