March 14th of 2018 marked a revolutionary moment in history when students from across the country rallied to oppose gun violence.

This was sparked by the shooting that occurred at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in which 17 students were killed. In order to bring more awareness to the numerous deaths caused by guns, students walked out from class, sometimes with the school’s permission, sometimes not. They stayed for 17 minutes of silence, one for each death. This event shed new light on the topic of gun violence as people started to question if gun laws are strict enough.

Historically there’s been evidence that school shootings have been on the rise. However, is this because of lack of gun control or is it because of new technology? Current developments in technology have allowed people to spread news at a click of a phone. Information is easily conveyed which was inaccessible before. According to USA Today, the amount of school shooting statistics is being stretched as accidental discharge, suicide attempts, and shootings where no one was injured are all being accounted for as school shootings. In actuality, the massacres in which students lives are actually taken are very few.

According to Northeastern, since 1996 there have been only 16 victim shooting or incident involving 4 or more deaths with at least 2 deaths caused by firearms excluding the shooter. Of these, only half are mass shooting with 4 or more deaths. This shows that the statistics presented by other sources are greatly exaggerated.

Another important thing to know is that usually school shooters fit a certain profile. According to the FBI, 75% of school shooters feel persecuted or bullied at school and 61% are motivated by revenge. 93% shows signs of concerning behavior and also 93% of school shooting are planned. According to the LA Times in a study of mass shooters from 1900 to 2017 at least 59% have shown signs of or is diagnosed of mental illness. This shows that with a better understanding of the psychology of a school shooter it can be prevented. Currently, mental illness is a widespread issue and through media there has been more exposure. People can now find access to help through the internet or even at nearby health facilities this allows better access to the resources they need.

School shootings are not being normalized, however it’s important to notice the signs of a school shooter and help prevent the possibility of even one person dying.

<Angela Pang Arcadia HS 10th Grade>