VIOLENCE 101

As we know, education in the US is one of the best in the world, with excellent infrastructure and easy access for everyone through scholarships. However, we have to admit that violence is a subject that has become more and more important. Schools have now metal detectors and security officers in every door and cases of attacks and killing among students in schools have increased.

A widely known case is the Columbine High School Massacre. This happened in year 1999 in Colorado and 12 people were killed by two senior students who then committed suicide. This event opened up the discussion of gun possession laws, violence in movies and songs, videogames, bullying and antidepressants.

It is a shame that this catastrophe had to happen in order for the government to make the due investigations about violence in school and how the violent culture they were surrounded with affected young people all throughout America. This is not the only killing that has happened to a school, here is a list of some other attacks that have occurred in the United States: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_attacks_related_to_secondary_schools

Here is a list of some scary facts I found:

1. Thirty seven percent {37%} of American students report the presence of gang in their schools.
2. In 2000, the number of crimes at school in which students ages 12 through 18 were the victims is 2.5 million. About 186,000 of those were serious violent crimes {including rape, sexual assault, robbery and aggravated assault}.
3.  In 2000, about 29% of students in grades 9 through 12 reported that someone had offered, sold or given them an illegal drug on school property.
4. Teenagers are two times more likely than others to be victims of violent crimes
5. An average of one homicide event occurs every seven school days. School related Homicides increase at the beginning of the school year and after winter breaks.

6. The number of high school age boys who took a weapon to school 2000 is one out     every five.
7. The number of students in the United States who carry a gun to school, on any given day is 200,000.
8. The number separate of acts of violence reported in schools in 2002 is 10,951.
9. Violence remains the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 15 to24.
10. The number of thefts that occurred at schools in 2000 is 1.2 million. Students are more likely to be victims of theft at school than away from school. 

Of course, the education system is not the only one to blame. Violence can come from home, the streets or other friends, but it is in school were young Americans spend most of their time, and it is there where they learn about the basic principles of living in society, such as tolerance, respect and responsibility. School is not just for learning math or science, it is about creating bonds and gaining confidence in yourself and in the one’s around you, but how can you trust in your friends if you fear they can kill you?