Summary

Identification of risk factors and intervention in both the clinical setting and the school setting is important for school shooting prevention. 


In the clinical setting, counselors of youth (particularly Caucasian age 13- 18) who have suffered a major loss, have depression, suicidal ideation or attempts, need to assess: Gun access, knowledge and use; Feeling bullied, persecuted, threatened; Violence interest (movies video games); Prior behavior/comments of a violent nature and; Preoccupation with perceived injustices. When detected, counselors always need to obtain consultation on how to best take socially responsible action. 


In the school setting the bystander effect (assuming that others are responsible for taking action or have already done so) is a key barrier to social responsibility that needs to be addressed. Student education on general risk factors to look for, responsible assertiveness, “being your brother’s keeper” and a method for communicating concerns to adults in charge (e.g., anonymous “Concern lines” to call/email or a drop box for concern notes) is needed. In addition, school shooting prevention needs to include emotional regulation coursework on managing anger/injustices and bullying education coursework on how to help students who are being bullied, acceptance of unpopular students and how to pull in disengaged students.