Lethal Violence in the Schools

Author: Hemenway, D.
Publication: J Health Polit Policy Law
Link to Published Abstract
Topics: Legislation and Policy Prevention Public Health Students
Keywords: Adolescent Firearms Security Measures UNITED States Violence
Bibliographic information +

The author reviewed the incidence of lethal gun violence in schools and some of the different responses that have been suggested (e.g. arming school teachers and teaching them self-defense, screening students for guns as they enter the school). He described the public health approach of preventing gun violence through changes in the environment rather than counting solely on punishment to make dangerous behaviors less likely. Focusing on the motor vehicle safety interventions that were based on precisely this approach, the author noted that a multi-stage strategy based on training physicians and parents to discuss with adolescents about guns and violence, conflict resolution and anger management training, bullying prevention programs, screening of students for weapons, teaching to report firearm threats, gun engineering design changes, and even reducing gun ownership rates.