years ago a poll showed 50% of U.S. homes had guns, in ‘98 there was 35% reported. This is good, but it lessens the likelihood or easiness of a child getting their hands on a gun. 24% of kids polled said they were afraid of a killer being at their school, so obviously adults are more worried than kids.There are four factors that increase youth violence: 1) easy access to weapons, usually handguns; 2) early usage of drugs and alcohol; 3) association with antisocial groups; 4) repeated exposure to violence in the media and television. 81% of guns brought to school is reported to have come from the home. Large, overcrowded schools and classrooms have an impact on school violence. This prevents teachers from having a meaningful relationship with students. Overcrowding increases the risk for vandalism and discipline problems.We have to change our schools! Some methods could be locks on doors, metal detectors, random weapon searches, school uniforms and a positive school environment. It is recommended schools keep a zero tolerance policy, for any and all acts of violence. Decrease the number of unlocked entrances and exits, require students to carry a hall pass when roaming during class period, but keep passes to a minimum and necessity basis only. These can be the beginning steps of a safer school environment.You could sit and contemplate for the next 20 years trying to figure out what cause these kids to do the thing they do. Could it be the big schools they are in, or coming form single parent homes, or maybe even the violent movies that drive these kids to do this. No one will ever really know, but the only real thing we know is these kids saw the way to get rid of their problems was to get of other people. So there is no real way to explain the tragedies that keep occurring. Let's take preventive measures now, rather than after it occurs. Let's not have a Columbine before something is done. ...
