School shootings, why are they happening? Our names are Emily Carver and Zoe Opheim, and we want to address this issue.

We are seventh graders at Summit Middle School, and we are concerned because school shootings have skyrocketed since 2015. This includes 380 shootings. More than 20 of those shootings were fatal. These shootings leave students and families traumatized. More and more kids and teachers are scared to come to school with the thought they might not return home. 

Summit Middle School has a school resource officer who we interviewed at our school. At Summit Middle School, we have many ways that we prepare for a possible school shooting. We frequently have drills for lockdowns. Our school resource office is here to protect us. When interviewed, he said if he ever heard a shot he would, “run as fast as (he) could to where it was and stop the threat.”

Recently, we had a threat to the high school that sent Summit County schools into lockdown. Police were patrolling the schools for multiple hours. Everyone had to sit quietly until further instructions were given. People were scared and worried. We don’t think we should have to feel this way. 

Our community can help with this issue. We can make guns less accessible for kids and adults, and we can make sure kids in Summit County are healthy, both mentally and physically. People should be able to see a therapist if they are feeling down. About 92 % to 100% of people who start an act of violence are already feeling suicidal or suffering from mental health issues. You should check up on friends or relatives frequently to see how they are doing and if they need extra support.

Shootings are a problem that impacts our world today, and we need to take action.