New analysis explains how school gun violence is plaguing America’s youth
A new analysis is highlighting how school gun violence is impacting America's younger generations. The analysis, published by Axios, sheds light on statistics from the K-12 School Shooting Database.
"The stunning rise in gun violence on school property is reshaping the daily lives of America's youngest generation, putting children at the center of a previously unthinkable number of life-or-death moments," the report emphasizes.
Speaking to Axios, Sarah Burd-Sharps — a senior research director at Everytown — explained the severity of American gun violence involving children.
"The threat of gun violence has become a constant in children's lives in this country and we're seeing the impact of it," she said.
Per the news outlet, "273 people were killed or wounded on school grounds from 303 gun-related incidents last year alone — both record highs, according to the database."
The report also discusses safety measures in place in schools across the country. Approximately 98% of schools have reported conducting safety drills for lockdowns while 96% conduct drills in the event of an active shooter.
While research shows these measures are effective preventative measures, Burds-Sharps explained how they may be counterproductive as they could interrupt classtime.
"At nine o'clock [students] have to hide in the bathroom for long periods of time and be silent and then at 10 o'clock, they need to learn math," she said. "It's not a recipe for America's schoolchildren to learn and to achieve in school and to be able to focus and to concentrate."
Axios' full report is available at this link.
