CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The recent high school shooting in Georgia has reignited concerns about school safety, with students and experts emphasizing the mental health impact such violence has on young people. Quinten Canty, a junior at West Charlotte High School, shared how constant lockdown drills and news of shootings have made violence feel unsettlingly normal for students.
“It’s like we’re getting used to it, and we shouldn’t be,” Canty said. “It affects whether we even want to go to school anymore.”
Dr. Adrienne Saxton, a mental health expert at Atrium Health, echoed the sentiment, explaining that fear and anxiety following school shootings can deeply affect students’ sense of safety and well-being.
This latest shooting, which unfolded at Apalachee High School in Georgia, left parents, students, and law enforcement grappling with how to prevent future tragedies. Law enforcement expert Craig Miller highlighted the importance of safety measures like armed guards, updated metal detectors, and mental health support to protect schools from potential threats. He emphasized that the solution must be a collaborative effort between school administrators and law enforcement to ensure comprehensive safety plans are in place.
Both Canty and Dr. Saxton stressed the importance of addressing the mental health toll on students as discussions about school safety and preventative measures continue. Parents and guardians play a pivotal role, as conversations with children about their fears and concerns can help identify warning signs and prevent future violence.
As the debate continues about how to keep schools safe, one thing remains clear: tackling mental health, ensuring communication between schools and families, and providing proper resources are all critical steps in addressing the growing crisis of school violence.
