LogFAQs > #903038685

IMO... No. And neither would banning guns result in a true decline in school violence. While the tool would be less effective there would still be people engaging in violent acts. Here is what I see as the primary cause.

1) Publicity. If you engage in school violence and shoot up a school you will hit the national news. Your name will be plastered everywhere. You may go down as a villain but you will go down as something. For someone who feels depressed, useless, and suicidal this is the 'jackpot' since you can make a mark on the world while, hopefully, also ending the lives of those who made your life hell.

2) Social media. No. I'm not going to go nuts on social media being evil. What I will say is that it allows massive amounts of negativity to reach a person while in the comfort of their own home while, at the same time, seeing the success and positivity of others. Can you imagine how devistating it must feel to find out that the girl you had a crush on is dating the kid who bullies you... and then have to be reminded of it every time you use facebook?

3) Terrible schools. The fact is that American schools are horrible. They're basically processing factories in which the product is, instead of packaged meat, students. Not even ones with 'good grades'; just graduates. There is little encouragement to engage with the students, teachers, classmates, or generally anyone if the only thing that really 'matters' is getting that A. Teachers only intercede when it can harm their career, students form cliques, and students have little reason to talk to teachers or staff even in dire need.

4) A lack of self-worth. This is probably the biggest one. Now-a-days so much of who we are and what we are worth is decided by external factors with little control. Are you a boy or girl? Not only is one going to be praised by the other but you'll find society actively chastising the other merely for existing. Are you gay, straight, or something else? You'll be favored or chastised. What music you like, what color your skin is, what your hobbies and desires are... they can so easily lead into a massive loss in self-worth. Once you have nothing left to lose, are reminded of it every day, merely going to school is a trial, and you will become famous if you do it as well as potentially kill those who made your life a living hell... Why not?
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I am the gentle hand who heals, the happy smile who shields, and the foot that will kick your ***! - White Mage