The idea of a mass shooter attacking kids and teachers in a school is terrifying, leaving us feeling powerless. When it seems like the government is not doing anything concrete to stop mass shooters, it’s normal to feel like nothing can be done to solve this epidemic of violence.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop a mass shooter from attacking in schools. The good news is that you can start working on some of the solutions to do your part to prevent future tragedies. Learning how to stop a mass shooter is all about prevention, and about increasing security measures in schools and other public buildings.
Here are ways on how to stop a mass shooter.
1. Showing support for laws that can help prevent gun violence
Even when you feel powerless, your voice has more power than you can imagine. Take a moment to call your local representatives or to write to them. Reach out to them to tell them you support laws that help prevent gun violence and ask them to do the same.
With universal background checks, an effective assault-style weapon ban, and strong laws that prevent violent felons or domestic abusers from owning guns, it would become a lot more difficult for future mass shooters to acquire deadly weapons.
Sign petitions advocating for common sense gun laws, attend protests, and tell your representatives you will hold them accountable.
2. Supporting organizations researching gun violence
You can do your part to help stop a mass shooter by supporting organizations that research the causes of gun violence, strengthen gun control laws, help communities identify at-risk behaviours, and work towards minimizing the social isolation that can lead individuals to commit mass shootings.
You can donate money to these organizations, volunteer for them, or find other ways to get involved and help advance their work and spread their message.
It can be easy to feel like the situation is hopeless, but when you get to know organizations that research gun violence and try to prevent it, you can feel more optimistic about the future.
3. Implementing gun detection technology in public buildings
Did you know that Artificial Intelligence could be used to detect concealed weapons such as guns and knives? Indeed, school security solutions can replace intrusive pat downs and metal detectors. They create a safer and more enjoyable experience for people entering schools and other public buildings.
If you work for a school or own an entertainment venue, an arena, or a public library, you could research this technology and make sure it gets implemented.
When gun detection technology detects a concealed weapon, it alerts security personnel, who can act to keep everyone safe. This is an efficient way to stop a mass shooter before they can act.
4. Learning how to recognize red flags
Mass shooters tend to have many things in common. By learning how to recognize red flags and how to act when you notice them, you can help prevent mass shootings and save lives.
Many mass shooters have been exposed to violence and trauma early in life. They can be isolated from their peers and be fascinated by firearms and by the horrible acts of violence committed by previous mass shooters.
Another thing many potential mass shooters have in common is that although they want to act, some hope that someone can stop them before they do something irreparable. Therefore, as they go through a crisis, many warn others of their intention to commit a mass shooting.
If you work at a school or regularly interact with teenagers, you should always take their words seriously if they tell you they plan to commit violent acts. Treat it as a cry for help.
5. Reporting potential threats without hesitation
If someone you know has talked about committing a mass shooting, or you have a good reason to think they could threaten themselves or others, don’t hesitate to contact the authorities. Remember, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry.
The authorities will investigate the situation and might be able to act to prevent violence. And if the person is simply going through a crisis and needs mental help, your intervention could ensure they get the help and support they need.
6. Promoting mental well-being and inclusivity at schools
Finally, you can help prevent mass shootings by promoting mental well-being and inclusivity at local schools.
Remember that any effort to prevent social isolation and bullying can make a positive difference. When kids get the support and mental help they need and feel part of a healthy and inclusive community, and they are less likely to become desperate and have violent and angry thoughts.
As you can see, no single solution exists to stop a mass shooter. But getting involved with many potential solutions makes acting instead of feeling scared and powerless possible.
