I spent a day with SCHOOL SHOOTING SURVIVORS (Columbine, Parkland, Reynolds)

Recent questions

• How common are school shootings in the US?

  School shootings are increasingly common in the US, with incidents like Columbine, Virginia Tech, Parkland, and Sandy Hook receiving significant media coverage. In just 46 weeks of the previous year, there were 45 school shootings, making firearms the second leading cause of death among American children and adolescents after car crashes. The US has had 57 times as many school shootings as all other major industrialized nations combined.

• What impact do school shootings have on survivors?

  Survivors of school shootings often experience fear, shock, and trauma during the events. They recount the events leading up to the shootings, the moment they realized they were safe, and the loss of their classmates and teachers as the most painful aspect of the shootings. Some survivors accept the possibility of not surviving, leading to emotional exhaustion, PTSD diagnosis, and difficulty transitioning back to normalcy. The impact extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting entire communities and families.

• How do survivors cope with the aftermath of school shootings?

  Survivors of school shootings cope with the aftermath by finding support to rebuild their lives and promote gun violence prevention and racial equity through various organizations and individuals. They may receive counseling for PTSD, struggle with transitioning back to normalcy, and seek comfort in the presence of their families. Some survivors emphasize the importance of having protocols for emergencies in schools, including active shooter drills, to prevent harm.

• What is the earliest recorded school shooting in the US?

  The earliest recorded school shooting in the US dates back to 1764, known as the Pontiac’s Rebellion School Massacre. This historical event marked the beginning of a tragic trend that has become increasingly common in modern times, with incidents like Columbine, Virginia Tech, Parkland, and Sandy Hook receiving significant media coverage.

• How do survivors of school shootings describe their experiences?

  Survivors of school shootings describe their experiences as traumatic, recounting the fear and shock they experienced during the events. They share their stories with others, discussing the impact of such events on their lives. Law enforcement intervention during the shootings played a crucial role in leading survivors to safety and eventually reuniting them with their families. Some survivors reflect on the moment they realized they were safe, with one feeling reassured only after being in police custody and having body matter removed from their hair.