Rethinking School Safety: A New Approach

In response to the tragic 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, experts have proposed an alternative approach to making schools safer. Rather than arming teachers or implementing more stringent security measures, research suggests focusing on the social and emotional well-being of students.

Matthew Mayer of Rutgers and Shane Jimerson of the University of California, Santa Barbara, joined forces with other experts to draft an eight-point call for action on preventing gun violence in schools. This initiative has garnered support from around 200 educational and mental health organizations, as well as over 2,300 individual experts.

Softening Schools, Not Hardening Them

Instead of increasing physical security, the proposed plan emphasizes improving the school climate. Ron Avi Astor from the University of Southern California explains that using a public health approach to school shootings can be effective. This involves community-based prevention efforts akin to public health strategies used for diseases.

Reducing bullying and discrimination and conducting threat assessments on potential risks are key components. The action plan also calls for removing guns, considered a significant environmental hazard contributing to violence. The proposal includes universal background checks and banning assault-style weapons.

Fostering a Positive School Climate

The concept of school climate encompasses the relationships among students and between students and adults in the school. It influences mental and emotional health and academic success. Research by Astor and others has shown that schools can become safer by fostering social and emotional well-being, connecting with community resources, and providing focused support for troubled students.

For students who bring weapons to school, factors like bullying, fear of gang violence, or ostracization can play a significant role. Resources aimed at reducing bullying and harassment can help prevent conflicts. Catherine Bradshaw of the University of Virginia notes a steady decline in bullying over the past decade due to social and emotional measures.

The Role of Witnesses

Another reason for improving school climate is the crucial role of witnesses. In California, surveys indicate that over half a million students report seeing weapons at school. Students who have strong relationships with adults are more likely to report such incidents. A supportive school environment encourages reporting and intervention, reducing violence.

Astor emphasizes education as intervention rather than punitive measures for students bringing weapons. This approach applies to mass shootings as well as everyday violence arising from personal conflicts or community issues.

Implementing Threat Assessments

The public health framework also includes an emergency component known as threat assessment. Developed after the Columbine shooting in 1999, this method evaluates the seriousness of threats. Virginia schools have mandatory threat assessments since 2013. These assessments involve the school’s principal, counselor, psychologist, and police, who evaluate the threat’s credibility and potential for violence.

Although not foolproof, threat assessments have shown positive outcomes, including reduced suspensions and increased feelings of safety. Dewey Cornell of the University of Virginia asserts that robust implementation of threat assessments contributes to safer school environments.

Despite existing challenges in drawing attention to these recommendations, Mayer and other experts hope this call for a comprehensive, research-based action will resonate and lead to meaningful change in school safety.