Abstract

We summarize current data and understanding about the prevalence of gun violence at schools and risk of rampage school shootings. Following that comes a discussion of gun availability among youth and strategies and practices in the United States and abroad that have been implemented to limit access to firearms for minors. Next, we review the current evidence for arming school teachers, a strategy that could also increase the number of firearms in schools. We then focus on three specific strategies that schools have implemented to reduce school shootings and improve school safety: (a) addressing the role of mental health in school shootings and violence perpetration; (b) implementing multidisciplinary threat assessment protocols; and (c) target hardening and utilizing school resource officers. Based on available evidence, a public health approach to addressing firearm violence in schools is the most effective way to prevent school shootings, even if these effects are indirect through improvements in student social competence and positive school climate. Finally, we offer some recommendations for future practice, policy and research.

Impact Statement

Based on the available evidence, singular approaches like target hardening or utilizing SROs will not reduce risk for school shootings and may lead to other deleterious effects. A public health approach that emphasizes student social–emotional learning and improved school climate may indirectly reduce firearm violence. Policies that limit youth access to firearms may also help to lower the risk of gun violence at school.

摘要

我们总结了当前关于学校枪支暴力盛行和校园枪击事件风险的数据和理解。接下来是关于青少年枪支供应情况的讨论，以及美国和国外为限制未成年人获得枪支而实施的战略和做法。接下来，我们回顾了当前武装学校教师的证据，这一策略也可以增加学校的枪支数量。然后，我们重点关注学校为减少校园枪击事件和改善学校安全而实施的三项具体战略：(a) 解决心理健康在校园枪击事件和暴力犯罪中的作用；(b) 实施多学科威胁评估协议；(c) 以强化和利用学校资源官员为目标。根据现有证据，解决学校枪支暴力问题的公共卫生方法是预防校园枪击事件的最有效方法，即使这些影响是通过提高学生的社交能力和积极的学校氛围而间接产生的。最后，我们为未来的实践、政策和研究提供了一些建议。

影响声明

根据现有证据，强化目标或利用 SRO 等单一方法不会降低学校枪击的风险，并可能导致其他有害影响。强调学生社会情感学习和改善学校氛围的公共卫生方法可能会间接减少枪支暴力。限制青少年获得枪支的政策也可能有助于降低学校发生枪支暴力的风险。