The Reason that I Write These Blogs and do Podcasts
On vacation in the Ozark Mountains during the summer of 2024, I visited a Native American museum. During this visit, I saw an Iroguois painting with these words on it:
“In every deliberation and decision, we must consider the impact on the next seven generations that follow us.”
That is why I write these blogs and do the podcasts. I want the next seven generations to know about these topics. I want to be rembered by future generations. I want those that follow in my footsteps to read, listen, learn, and do!
America Has a Problem With School Shootings
When I was in elementary, junior high, and in high school, in the late 1960’s and 1970’s, school shootings did not happen. Yes, I know . . . I am old! However, school shootings did not occur when my two kids were in school in the late 1980’s through 2000 either. Me, my wife, nor my kids planned for them, drilled for them, or even thought about them.
I realize that in 1966 at the University of Texas at Austin, a 25-year old, Marine Veteran, indiscriminately fired at members of the public, both within the Main Building tower at the university and from the tower's observation deck. He shot and killed 15 people, including an unborn child, and injured 31 others before he was killed by two Austin Police Department officers. However, this was not considered the norm!
In recent years, school shootings have increased significantly and we just yawn and say that “gun violence has not become personal to me. Why should I care?” You should care!
School shootings have become the norm in America! Did you know that in 2024, there were 332 incidents at K-12 schools that resulted in 267 injuries and fatalities.
In 2025, there were 233 shooting incidents at K–12 schools resulting in 221 injuries and fatalities, with some months seeing multiple shootings per week.
Nationwide, statistics indicate that shots are fired on school grounds an average of nearly twice a week, highlighting the ongoing risk to students.
Definition of a School Shooting
A school shooting is considered any incident where a gun is brandished, fired, and hits people or school property, including accidents and after-hours events.
School shootings often involve assault-style weapons. Many of these guns are given to students as gifts or presents.
Incidents can stem from a variety of causes, including personal grievances, domestic violence, gang activity, or accidental discharges.
The prevalence of firearms in the U.S. combined with social and mental health factors, contributes to the ongoing risk.
The School Shooting that Started it All
The phenomenon gained national attention in the U.S. with the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. This incident became a watershed moment, leading to increased awareness and documentation of school shootings.
In the Columbine massacre, 13 students and one teacher were murdered and it was the deadliest K-12 school shooting in U.S. history until 2012 when the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting occurred. In December of 2012, in the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting of Newtown Connecticut, 20 children and six adults were killed.
The Human Toll is Severe
In 2025 alone, there were at least 90 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, which resulted in 29 deaths and 69 injuries.
These events not only cause physical harm or death but also cause lasting psychological effects on students, faculty members, school staff, and entire communities.
High-profile tragedies like Sandy Hook Elementary (2012) and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde Texas (2022) have intensified public concern and advocacy for gun control measures.
Bottom line . . . the U.S. has a problem with school shootings.
Our children should not even have to think about an active shooter in their school.
The United States Also has a PR Problem
I vividly remember in 2017, talking to one of my former doctoral students. She was from India. After a school shooting in the U.S., her Indian uncle called her and told her that it would be best if she came back to India to avoid the gun violence. He may have been correct.
Acquiring a firearm is a privilege in India and not thought to be a constitutional right (like in the US). In India, licenses for guns are necessary, even for air guns. The process of obtaining licenses is difficult and often takes months. Licenses are granted only after a thorough assessment of the applicant, including background checks. U.S. style school shootings are rare.
Research also demonstrates that people around the world perceive the U.S. like my students’ Indian uncle did. At least 7 in 10 adults in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and England say gun violence in the United States is “poor” or “terrible” while nearly as many people in Japan say the same thing. People in many developing countries of the world hold even more negative views of gun violence in the United States.
Is this the reputation that we want across the world?
Conclusion
School shootings remain a critical public health safety issue in the U.S. Students, teachers, and communities face severe impacts and increasing frequency.
Efforts to understand, prevent, and respond to these incidents, continues to be a major focus for policymakers, educators, and advocacy groups.
Resources for You
Podcast. Season 3, Episode 1. Two Problems That Kids Will Face in 2026. An Interview with Dr. Lisa Pescara Kovach.
https://1795consulting.com/episode/s3-e1-two-problems-that-kids-will-face-in-2026/
Podcast. Season 1, Episode 12. The Myth that Mental Illness Causes Mass Shootings. An Interview with Dr. Lisa Pescara Kovach.
Podcast. Season 1, Episode 11. When Gun Violence Becomes Personal. An interview with Rhonda Hart.
Website Report. (2024).Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Center for Violence Prevention. Preventing School Shootings. https://violence.chop.edu/types-violence-involving-youth/school-shootings/preventing-school-shootings
Website Report. (2024). Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Center for Violence Prevention. Gun Safety.
https://violence.chop.edu/research-and-programs/gun-safety
Blog. (2023) Jordan, T. What Do We Do About the Gun Problem in America?
https://1795consulting.com/what-do-we-do-about-the-gun-problem-in-america/