Teaching Gun Safety, Not Sides, in Health Education

FOCUS: SCHOOL SAFETY

The epidemic of gun violence affects students across the United States, including here in Washington state. It’s not only school shootings that leave ongoing trauma in their wake. It’s also the rise in suicides by firearm, off-campus violence and gun-related accidents.

Each of these issues is beyond the control of public schools, but they profoundly impact what schools are held accountable for: student achievement and safety.

To combat the ongoing crisis, Washington school districts are moving beyond school security improvements and the use of anonymous reporting systems. Many districts are empowering students to navigate the ongoing gun safety debate and equip themselves with effective strategies to reduce their risk of gun injury.