April 1st is just around the corner and while many kids are preparing themselves for the ultimate prank, there are thousands of others that are planning on walking out to demonstrate to the government, the world and anyone who will listen that the time has come to do something that will end youth violence.  While we are only coming into the month of April there have already been a total of 17 incidents involving a shooting on school property this year. That is an average of 1.4 shooting a week!  This is entirely shocking and disturbing, not only is this excessive but the lack of enforcement by our government to strongly address the issue proves that America has become numb to the horrific events that are happening to these young students.
Our government needs to take a more aggressive approach to protecting our youth with less aggression. Gun control debates have been controversial and very slow moving, but it also only addresses only a single factor of the issue. I want to explain, I do agree that gun control is incredibly important and necessary to limit the chances of weapons getting into the hands of youth.

Florida has just passed a law changing the minimum legal age to purchase a rifle or long gun from a licensed dealer from 18 to 21 years old, this change has happened in response to the terrifying Parkland school shooting resulting in a total of 17 deaths. The scary truth is that most state laws allow individuals to buy a rifle at the age of 18 when buying from a licensed dealer. When purchasing long guns from a private dealer, many states have no minimum legal age. Evaluations and stricter laws on gun control in all of our states should be taking place to limit the chances of dangerous weapons getting into the hands of our youth. An increase in security in public schools will also help limit weapons from being brought inside of the schools.
However, another very important approach seems to be overlooked amongst the gun debate. This is improving the overall social and emotional health of our society. I think it is important to remember that youth suicide is also at a high alongside youth homicide.
A public health approach would preventative rather than responsive and would be incredibly beneficial to our youth and would lower violence in public schools. School climate has strong effects and influences in mental and emotional health. State guidelines should require students to receive credits from a social and emotional curriculum to graduate. An increase in guidance counselors, social workers, and community resources that can focus on preventing bullying, discrimination, relationship building with other youth and adults, and a system to identify youth that is struggling should be implemented throughout all of the United States. Additional Programs need to be established and offered to the public that offers assistance to students that are struggling emotionally and socially as well as a protocol in place to protect that student that could be a harm to themselves or others.
Lastly, we need to focus on the structure of discipline within our school districts and society. Our society as a whole, inadequately responds to unwanted behavior. For example, we yell at children to quit yelling. This is not teaching them the way to properly handle the situation and how to avoid a negative conflict, only to engage in it.
 Rather than isolating, separating, and punishing youth for misbehavior, especially in a school system surrounded by peers that can shame and embarrass you, we should provide discipline that focuses on a positive method of teaching self-control, responsibility, and confidence with additional guidance and counseling.
To successfully prevent violence amongst our youth we must address all of the contributing factors that lead to it.