School Shootings Mask the Real Problem
School shootings have become an all too common occurrence in America, sparking widespread media attention and calls for action. However, while these tragedies undoubtedly require attention, they may also serve to mask the deeper and more pervasive issue of childhood trauma. Children across the country are exposed to violence, poverty, and neighborhood shootings on a daily basis, and the effects of this trauma can be just as devastating as the stories in the national news. To truly support these children, we need to shift our focus from outrage to creating stronger, more supportive communities that prioritize the well-being of all learners.
Childhood trauma can take many forms, from physical and emotional abuse to exposure to community violence. The effects of trauma can be wide-ranging, affecting a child’s physical and mental health, as well as their academic and social outcomes. Research has shown that children who experience trauma are more likely to struggle with school, experience behavioral problems, and have poor physical health outcomes. Moreover, the effects of childhood trauma can last well into adulthood, leading to increased risk for chronic health conditions like obesity and heart disease, risky behaviors such as drug use and mental health disorders.
School shootings are devastating and tragic, but they represent only a small fraction of the collective trauma that American children face on a daily basis. Students in my school district in Philadelphia live in zip codes that are more likely to suffer ill effects from COVID and other infectious diseases. They are exposed to high rates of community violence, and many have family members who were murdered. While so much attention is focused on mass shootings, the children and families I see everyday wonder at the lack of public outrage for their pain.
To address the issue of childhood trauma, we need to prioritize wraparound services like case management and leverage the power of community programs inside schools. In addition, schools themselves can play an important role in supporting children who have been affected by traumatic events in their communities.
We can prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking help. This can involve training staff to recognize signs of trauma and providing mental health resources for students.
Schools should offer on-site counseling services to support students who have experienced trauma. Mental health professionals are overworked as it is, they must be compensated and supported with additional staff and resources.
Schools can provide additional academic support to help students who are struggling as a result of trauma. The ultimate tragedy of both highly publicized mass shootings and the constant alarm of local bloodshed is that the next generation will grow up without an opportunity to focus on learning. To better address this reality, school leadership must educate staff about the impact of trauma and how to support those who have been affected.
Author Bio
Dr. James J. Ruffin, Chief Academic Officer and Principal at Bluford Charter School, is an experienced instructional leader with a record of accomplishment in leading successful "turn-around" school and district-wide efforts, in high poverty low achievement schools. He believes that public education is the most powerful instrument for promoting equity and justice for all children and families. Dr. Ruffin holds a EdD in Innovative Leadership from Wilmington University.
