According to the Gun Violence Archive, across the United States in 2024 alone, there were 40,866 deaths and 31,652 injuries due to gun violence. This includes shootings, domestic violence, homicides, accidents, and suicides that leave many people in a state of trauma and fear. Guns are used for lawful and personal purposes, but when they are put in the wrong hands, they become a threat to thousands of people.

As news spreads around about recent gun violence, like what we saw at a school in Colorado, a church in Michigan and a restaurant in North Carolina, it sends a shock not just throughout the country but also here at AHS.

”The truck my grandpa drove was shot at and left a bullet mark on the windshield,” senior Jonah Castro said. “His car was later passed down to me, and as I drive it every day, it reminds me of this act of violence.”

Rates of mass shootings in schools, churches and malls have increased significantly over the years, according to research conducted by the Gun Violence Archive, exposing more young people to this distressing violence. This can significantly increase mental health concerns in students today, including anxiety and PTSD.

“With these shootings increasing, it makes people believe that places where they should feel safe aren’t,” senior Violet Isom said.

The daily rate of gun violence is 300 times a day. With this rate growing, not only does it cause mental trauma and fear, but it also increases violence and aggravation in teens. Adolescents who have experienced this firsthand can develop strong emotions, including anger and aggression. These emotions can be seen especially in developing teens, which can impair the functions of developing emotions.

“With School, Work, and my personal life, it is hard to balance my emotions with that alone,” senior Jailee Childress said. “I can’t even imagine how dealing with the emotions of this trauma can feel.”

There are many factors that contribute to acts of gun violence that are often neglected, including access to firearms and media portrayal of the events. The media can quickly overlook many instances that steer away from the big issue of it all.

“It seems like in specific areas it has become an accepted occurrence, and that’s a problem,” golf coach and government teacher Brad Averitte said.

Not many people think of how video games and media with gun violence can affect teenagers’ minds and desensitize them to the horrors these acts can cause. Many teens have role models who promote gun violence on TV, which can make them think it is acceptable instead of harmful.

“The saturation of gun violence makes it seem less violent than it really is because of movies and shows that encourage it,” Senior Matt Cain said.

With sensitive topics like gun violence, many people ask the question, “Why?” It is hard for people, especially teens, to grasp the concept of this violence and how it is affecting our society today. It is vital to acknowledge the harms and emotions many teens go through daily.

“Our resolve has to be stronger than our desire to commit violence,” Averitte said.