Thank you for your recent piece on school safety forums. (See “School district holds safety forums amid rising threats to students.”) It’s important and timely because, unfortunately, we’ve seen a huge spike in gunfire on school grounds in the U.S. in recent years. Because these incidents have been happening for decades, there is plenty of research available on effective strategies.
The Secret Service analyzed nearly 40 years of incidents and found roughly 75% of guns came from the home of a parent or close relative. One of the most effective ways to keep firearms off school grounds is educating the public on safe gun storage. School districts and police departments can share this information with families of students. The Be SMART for Kids program is a good place to start. The U.S. Department of Education recently released a letter template for principals and superintendents to use. The goal is to create a culture of safe gun storage in your community and in schools.
Research supports additional strategies such as strict gun laws, crisis intervention programs, anonymous reporting systems, and trauma-informed emergency preparedness.
Marissa McCue Armitage, York
Member, Be SMART for Kids School Safety Team
