Refusing to Talk Will Only Worsen Problem of Youth Violence

The Colorado school shooting has been on TV, in the newspapers and everyone has been talking about it. Everyone, it seems, except the people who should be talking the most: the teachers and administrations of our schools.

What is going on with that? Where did the Colorado shooting take place? It took place at a high school, and it could easily have taken place right here in Ventura County. With rival gangs and a stabbing at my very own school last year, you’d think that school officials would take action by at least talking to students about what happened. So far I haven’t heard one thing from any teacher about why it happened, how it could have been prevented, what the warning signs are, or what to do about them.

Frankly, I’m scared. This shooting caused havoc, with heated discussions on the news and rallies at some schools. But at Rio Mesa High School, everything is business as usual.

Therefore, I direct this question to everyone who doesn’t want to lie down in denial: What are we doing to prevent a massacre from occurring at Rio Mesa or some other Ventura County high school?

One thing students can do is demand to be informed. How many students know where to go if they know or even suspect that something could be about to go down? How many students know what to do if someone comes on campus with a weapon? How many know what the administration is doing to keep them safe? How many even know where the peer helpers are?

We students are uninformed. We practice fire drills and earthquake drills. During the Cold War, schools practiced bombing drills. After the recent violent incidents in Colorado and Georgia, shouldn’t some sort of action or drill be taught to protect us from fights and terrorists?

I encourage every student to ask the administrators at their school what to do. Make them aware of your concerns. Let them know that you want to be informed. If enough students speak up, then the administration will have to pay attention.

Besides just dealing with violence as it comes, what can be done to prevent it?

A lot of teenagers act out in violence because they are alienated. So what should we do if we notice an alienated person or group? Should we push them around and kick them away and make them even more alienated, or should we find ways to discipline their incorrect behavior and help them instead of hurt them?

It is a big and difficult job, but it is up to the administration to do it and do it thoughtfully. Then it is the students’ job to help the administration in any way they can. Students can tell administrators about problems that need to be dealt with. There are some things students see that adults may not. They also can talk to peer helpers or even become one. This can help people learn to interact with others in a more positive way.

The emotional needs of the students must be met, and right now that is not happening. When something like the Colorado shooting takes place, it can cause a lot of frustration, confusion and anger.

The most important way to deal with these feelings is by talking, and my teachers and administration didn’t do that. Is the school too busy to take the time? The shooting was a big deal. Considering our standing as a safe school, I’m sure many people are worried.

Schools that fail to meet their students’ emotional needs are adding to the fear and alienation that can lead to violent outbreaks. We must do all we can to keep that from happening.

What is the point of coming to school to prepare for our futures if our futures are in danger? Please, do not lie down and wait for a Ventura County school massacre. Stand up and take action. Every student must work together with their administration to make their school safe. If the administration is not going to take the first step, then the students must.