2022 broke the record for the most school shootings in four decades and marked one of the most violent years for youth ages 12-17, according to various unofficial counts.
As of Dec. 20, there were 300 shooting incidents on school grounds in 2022, juxtaposed to 250 in 2021 and 114 in 2020, as reported by the K-12 School Shooting Database. One decade earlier, 2010 saw 15 school shootings.
These counts include acts of gun violence on K-12 school campuses, including mass shootings, gang shootings, domestic violence, shootings at sports games and after-hours school events, suicides, and other incidents.
Here are three key takeaways from this year’s school shootings:
- There is a growing trend of school shootings in the United States. School shootings are rising, and parents must be aware of this and keep their children safe. They should ensure they have a copy of the School Safety Plan from their child’s school. It will spell out the school’s plan for preventing school shootings and also responding to active shootings. It will also let parents know what to do if their child’s school experiences a shooting.
- A mental health issue does not always cause school shootings. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to why a school shooting occurs, and it is important to investigate any potential mental health issues before they lead to a school shooting. However, the increase in school shootings in the US is likely due to a combination of factors, including gun availability and a lack of mental health resources.
- There is a need for more preventative measures. It is important to keep your child safe and stay aware of the risks of school shootings, and many preventative measures can help. Some measures include having a school safety plan, keeping children safe, and teaching kids about mental health issues. Helping students feel more connected to teachers, other students, and their school community leads to more positive school and classroom climates. Improving access to school-based and community-wide mental health and counseling resources is critical in preventing school violence. We also recommend schools implement training, plans, and drills centered on an active shooter situation.
By being aware of the growing trend of school shootings and using the resources available to you, you can help keep your child safe.
