A recent spate of school shootings has left the country reeling.
School shootings have been a hot topic in the United States for decades, but 2019 saw a significant spike in their frequency. The problem was so bad that the US government was forced to act and introduced legislation to try and make schools safer. While many politicians and officials have suggested ways to prevent school shootings, there is no one clear answer as to why they happen.
What is a school shooting?
A school shooting is an act of violence that occurs on school property or at an event related to or sponsored by a school. Most people associate these events with mass casualty incidents, but they can also include incidents where only one person is injured or killed. The term “school shooting” can also be used when describing a criminal event that happens near or around a school campus, such as an attempted robbery.
Why do they happen?
There are several factors that contribute to why someone would want to commit such an act of violence at their place of education. According to the FBI, many shooters suffer from mental health issues and may be using the incident as a way of seeking attention from others or trying to gain power over others. A history of bullying may also play into their decision.
