Weapons in our Schools Part I: The Great Debate
Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 11/01/11
Photo by LexnGer on Flickr
We’ve all heard about the shootings that have taken place in high schools across North America, like at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Virginia, or at Dawson College and École Polytechnique in Montreal and unfortunately the list could go on. As youth, these school tragedies hit close to home. So how can we prevent terrible accidents like this from happening in the future? Here are some thoughts…
Welcome To High School: Home of the…Metal Detectors?
What would you think if you got to school one day and there were metal detectors at every entrance? Would you feel safer? Some schools in different areas of the world have guards who carry guns stationed throughout the school – they even accompany youth on field trips. Do you think those youth feel safer as a result?
A lot of people have advocated for installing metal detectors in schools across North America to increase security, and some American schools already have. It is believed that this type of security will deter youth from bringing weapons to school and offer a sense of safety and protection.
Safer Homes, Safer Schools?
There are some people however, who think that installing metal detectors should be a last resort. Political figure Dalton McGuinty says that Ontario should impose an outright ban on handguns (The Globe and Mail). There is also the idea that gun safety and proper storage of guns at home should be the priority. Adults should be responsible to ensure that if they have any registered firearms, that they are stored in a safe and secure place, away from children and youth.
A Deeper Problem?
Sadly however, tragedies like this are often the result of bullying and the unfair treatment of others. This root cause of school violence shouldn’t be forgotten. School and home safety measures are just additional ways we can try and prevent school violence; by looking at these measures and the issue of bullying among youth, we can take a look at the bigger picture.
Often youth may be aware of a dangerous situation that might take place in school. For example, a friend may tell you they have brought a knife to school with the intention of hurting another. It’s important that if you know of any information like this, that you tell an adult immediately. Never take this kind of information lightly; it is always better to tell someone than keep this kind of information to yourself. However, we all know how difficult it may be to share these details with an adult, if we are not comfortable. Talk with teachers, students, your principle or a police officer about how important it is to have open conversation. Let adults know that it is essential to be respectful and trusting of students in order to help prevent dangerous situations from occurring. The more open we are, the safer we may feel to confide in one another.
It’s Your Turn!
What do YOU have to say about violence and weapons in schools? Do you think metal detectors will help solve the problem and discourage youth from bringing weapons to school, or is there a deeper issue taking place, like bullying? Both? Let us know!
Make sure to check in with us on Thursday for Part II – we’ll be talking about an award-winning RCMP program to help keep Canadian students safe.
