Save the schools

blog post #4

School shootings, such as the one at Dunbarton High School in Pickering, Ontario leave us with many questions. What could have caused people to do such a thing? Is there a way to stop all of this? What could we do?

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/10/19/thresholds-of-violence

Well we can’t stop all violence once and for all with a push of a button. Quoting my Animal Farm essay, “It is impossible to a create a perfect world because everyone has their own interpretation of what it would be.”. We all don’t have a reason to be violent but there are some people who are not as privileged as us. The best way to deal with problems such as school shootings it to deal with the smaller problems around us before trying to take on the larger ones. Schools are doing everything from installing metal detectors, hiring security guards, making students wear uniform, so it is easier to determine an outside not part of the school, starting anti-bullying programs and counseling. But do any of these prove effective in lowering violence?

I think that the best way we can avoid these acts of violence is to work together as a community. Raise awareness, which has been happening often now, we as a community can also inform people/children about safety precautions and over all try to help the kids most in need (i.e. counseling, if needed, after school programs, make them feel welcome, etc.).   

There are many available services to the students of Mary Ward that allow us to find help some of which include the guidance office, chaplaincy, our teacher adviser and even each other. Some ways that we can create new services to better the lives of those getting bullied would be to reward positive behavior as a school (i.e. free civvies day) and get parents involved. Overall it all comes down to bullying but together as a community we can help those in need.