Over 150 school shootings have been documented in the U.S, and from those shootings, hundreds of deaths have occurred. Though the media often ponders whether or not there’s a solution, it’s clear that certain preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of these tragedies and equip troubled students with the resources to cope instead of lash out. Rather than waiting for disaster to strike, schools should implement the following tips in order to minimize any potential opportunities for a school shooting incident to occur.

Establish School Climate

One of the most important aspects of preventing shootings is establishing a school climate that’s positive and inclusive. Many studies have been done contemplating the motivations of school shooters, and most have found that the culprits are often driven to violence by bullying. This makes it clear that school administration must address and prevent bullying at every opportunity. Allowing bullying behaviors to continue without consequence is a major liability for the safety of students and the security of the school.

Provide Health Care to Students

Another common cause of school shootings is students’ mental illness. Students who become homicidal are often dealing with comorbid mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. If they have no resources to address these struggles, they only worsen and can eventually put lives at risk. It’s imperative that schools implement access to health care — especially mental health care — in order to provide students with help when they need it. Implementing tools for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral problems can massively reduce the likelihood that violent incidents will occur — including potential school shooting incidents.

Address the Risk of Violence

It’s unfortunately true that the risk of violence can never be eliminated. Even with preventative programs and mental health care, there is always the risk that a student will act out violently in the form of a school shooting. In order to minimize this risk, it must be acknowledged and addressed head-on. Administration should regularly have meetings about risk factors such as bullying, student dissatisfaction, and mental health issues. Continuously and proactively addressing these factors can help equip staff to find solutions before students’ aggression escalates.

Decrease Isolation of Students

A common cause of violence, including school shootings, is the feeling of isolation that many students report. The absence of bullying is not enough to prevent violence in schools. Students must also be actively integrated into activities and included in peer events. Inclusion is every school’s best defense against the problems that most often motivate school shootings. To achieve this, schools should reward students who display inclusive behaviors and teach students conflict resolution skills. This can work to decrease feelings of isolation amongst students and thus minimize the risk of school shootings.

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