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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Word "school shooting" literally means «school shooting» and is used to refer to armed attacks in educational institutions when an attacker opens fire on students, teachers or other personnel. It is one of the most frightening phenomena of the modern world, and is not only linked to armed culture, but also to psychological problems, bullying and social crises.
Origin of the term "sculshooting"
The term "school shooting" is formed from English words school (school) and shooting (shooting). For the first time, this concept began to be widely used in the American media at the end of the 20th century, when cases of school shootings became more and more frequent and violent.
Despite this, isolated cases of violence in schools were recorded as early as the 19th century. For example, one of the first recorded cases occurred in 1853 when a student in Kentucky shot and killed a school principal. However, at that time such crimes were not considered a systemic problem.
Where did it all start?
Although school shootings occurred at different periods of history, the most significant case that changed the perception of this phenomenon in society became columbine High School Massacre April 20, 1999. Two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, came to the school armed and staged a mass murder, killing 13 people and injuring more than 20, and then committed suicide.
This tragedy was a real shock for America and the whole world. She drew attention to the problem of gun availability, the impact of video games and movies, and the psychological aspects of teenage aggression. Since then, the number of such incidents began to grow, and the term "school shooting" has firmly established itself in the public lexicon.
Causes of school shootings
Schooling – is a complex social phenomenon that has many causes. The main factors that can lead to such crimes:
- Bullying and social exclusion. Many of the attackers suffered from bullying at school, had problems adapting in society and felt isolated.
- Mental disorders. Many attackers were diagnosed with depression, sociopathy, psychosis, or other psychological disorders.
- Weapons availability. This is especially true in the US, where gun legislation makes it easy to purchase.
- The influence of mass culture. Some attackers were inspired by previous shootings, motion pictures, or video games depicting violence.
- Radicalization and ideology. Some cases involve extremist ideas, hatred of certain groups, or striving for fame.
How does society react to the problem?
After the tragedy in Columbine, the authorities of the United States and other countries tried to change the security system in schools. They began installing metal detectors, implementing psychological assistance programs, and providing training for students and teachers on behavior during shootings.
However, the problem remains relevant. The worst case in the USA occurred in 2012 in sandy Hook Elementary School (Sandy Hook Elementary School), where the attacker killed 26 people, including 20 children. And in 2018, a shooting at a school Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida caused a powerful social movement #NeverAgain, which advocates for stronger gun control.
Despite all the measures, cases of skulshooting continue to occur, and the problem remains open. Will the world find an effective way to overcome it – question that still has no answer.
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