Over the past few years, school shootings have become a scary reality across the country, and Kansas is no exception. With more reports of violence in schools, students and teachers are leaving parents to wonder how safe their kids really are. While Kansas has not seen as many incidents as other states, the risk is still very real, and it’s an important subject to bring to light. Just recently, a threat at a neighboring high school was reported, causing the school to go into lockdown. Thankfully no one was harmed, but this set as a reminder for students that school shootings are still possible in small towns. Many students left feeling anxious, and the question on students’, teachers, and administrators minds was: how do we prevent this from happening again?
Kansas schools have been taking steps to work to improve safety. Some schools are increasing security measures by adding more cameras. Rock Creek and other schools around the area even hired more resource officers to keep an eye on things going on in the building. Schools have begun to hold lockdown drills more often, in hopes of preparing students and faculty for the worst. By doing this they are also making students think about something they wish they never had to. But there is a debate going on about whether or not this is enough. Some people believe that stricter gun laws are needed to prevent school shootings, while some argue that more armed security or even allowing teachers to carry would make schools safer.
There’s no clear answer that’s part of what makes this issue so complex. As students, it’s crucial to speak up about how you feel. No one should be afraid to come to school and fear for their life. Students should be able to focus on school and hang out with friends, not the fear of potential danger. Talking to teachers, school staff, and even local leaders in our area about their concerns can help bring about changes and awareness that allow everyone to feel safe. At the end of the day, school shootings are a scary topic, but avoiding the conversations won’t make it go away. The more we talk about it, the more we can work towards solutions that protect everyone. Stay safe, stay aware, and let’s keep the conversation going.
