The Associated Press reports that between Columbine (April 20, 1999) and Nashville (March 27, 2023), mass school shootings have claimed the lives of 175 people, and that more than 348,000 students have been exposed to gun violence on school property since that first one. There were, in fact, more school shootings in 2022 - 46 - than in any year since at least 1999.

Beyond the deaths and physical injuries, there’s the emotional toll that accumulates with each active-shooter incident, each school lockdown, and even the sounds of a police siren. We may pray that we never see the type of day that families in Nashville have experienced, but as we’ve said over and over again, we need to do more than send “thoughts and prayers.”

So what can we do when “thoughts and prayers” aren’t getting the job done?

Most school districts, including those in our region, have invested in school security: more school resource officers, metals detectors and other safety protocols. We also need to teach educators, parents and students to recognize early warning signs of trouble and report any potential concerns about a student’s behavior which can help identify potential threats before they turn into violent incidents. Signs of trouble often begin with a social media post, but no potential threat can be taken too lightly.

Prevention also includes detection of and support for those students who may feel isolated or bullied.

Parents must play a role by ensuring that firearms are stored safely, talking to their children about the importance of conflict resolution and non-violent communication, and being aware of any warning signs of potential violent behavior in their children.

It ultimately comes down to keeping weapons out of the wrong hands. That’s why we need responsible gun control laws that require background checks, waiting periods, and limit the types of weapons and ammunition that people can purchase.

What can be more important than protecting our children from harm?