Unfortunately, school shootings are increasing at an alarming rate. In 2024, 330 school shootings were recorded just below the record high of 349 incidents in 2023. According to Statista, from 1999-2024 36% of American students have experienced a school shooting. School shootings have horrible impacts on students and their families.
To stop this growing threat, researchers have shown the importance of both physical and behavioral security. According to Everytown Research, school safety experts recommend implementing simple but effective security features, such as controlled access points, fencing, external door locks, and interior door locks that allow educators to secure rooms in the event of an intruder. These measures have proven to be crucial in slowing or stopping shootings.
MMS School Resource Officer Joe Leskovec explains, “We have security cameras all over the building. And any visitors that come to the building are supposed to go to the main office. They check in and are given a visitor badge so I know who is who, and who’s not supposed to be here. There are also protocols in place throughout the district.” He also highlights, “Every year, somebody—at least a student or two—comes to me, reporting a possible threat for a school shooting.” His statement shows the importance of student reporting to stop these common problems.
In addition to physical measures, research shows the importance of recognizing behavioral red flags. A 2018 report from the Department of Homeland Security highlights, “Preventing violence by detecting and addressing these [behavioral] red flags is more effective than any physical security measure.” The Secret Service also supports this, showing in a 2020 report that “all of the 35 attackers (100%) in this study experienced at least one social stressor, such as bullying or conflicts with peers and romantic partners.” This shows the need to find out the root causes of this behavior before it ends up as a school shooting.
A real trend is showing a big link between bullying and school shootings. According to the 2020 Secret Service report, nearly three-quarters of the attackers (74%) experienced verbal bullying, which included threats, taunts, name-calling, and suggestion that they kill themselves. The issue of bullying in the lives of these attackers shows the issue of school culture and the need that schools should teach kindness, empathy, and the acceptance of differences. In a Lesley University research, it highlights that creating an inclusive environment in schools can remove these negative problems and reduce the chance of violence.
What are ways students can escape school shootings? SRO Leskovec suggested “running away from the danger.” He added, “There’s no need to be a hero if there’s ever a shooting here. Run away, hide. If if you have to hide your room, hide. Lock a door, barricade it, so an intruder can’t get in. But if you 
have the ability to run, I think you think you need to run and get out of the building.”
According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, the average school shooting lasts around 12.5 minutes. Creating as many barriers, obstacles, and distractions for the intruder as possible can minimize injuries and lives lost before police arrive.
This shows that addressing the big problem and increasing risk of school shootings requires a many different approaches. Helping people with behavioral problems and creating safe and happy learning environments without bullying are proactive approaches, strengthened by also creating security measures and emergency procedures.
