The first question i would like to address is why. Youth violence in america has had quite an extensive history. This problem has plagued the ghettos and hoods of large cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston for the last 20 years. In fact about 2300 homicides are recorded a year by 18 or younger children. However, until recently it has been overlooked. America was horrified as they watched the live coverage of Columbine students running scared from the overtaken school. This shocked the american public. Never before had such horror taken place in the suburbs of America.

This forced people to ask why, to face the problem. Right away the parents and the public blamed music televis

Most of the 135,000 weapons brought to schools are not intended for use. Most students will bring weapons because they fear for their safety. This can also be a problem. In 1994 in Valley High school a student worried about his safety decided to bring in a handgun to protect himself. One day while heading to his next class the gun dropped to ground and fired, taking the life of an innocent teenager.

Many schools have increased their security. Chain link fences protect from unwanted visitors, metal detectors scan for illegal weapons, panic buttons are installed in classrooms, some schools such as our own ban book bags or the use of lockers. But even these measures do not fully protect the students. In urban schools fire drills are followed by drive by drills. Students are requested to lie flat on the ground at the sound of gunfire. Police visit classrooms to teach students how to deal with someone facing them with a weapon. Many schools have banned the wearing of certain colors related to gang violence.

The last question i will attempt to answer is, Are we safe in our schools? Over 3 million crimes are committed in our school system each year. 1 out of every ten schools will experience some type of violent attack. Every day thousands of students go to school afraid. They are not afraid that the teachers going to find out they didn't do their homework, or afraid of doing a presentation, they're fearful of their lives. On average 14% of students that go to school every day do not feel safe. 4% of the student population will stay home one or more days this month out of fear. This happened right here in our own school. A violent threat was posted in one of our boys bathrooms. On the day of the supposed attack only one fourth of the school was present. Not even elementary schools are safe students. In Bridgeport, CT, an elementary school had to install bulletproof windows after stray bullets were shot from surrounding housing projects into the school.

There are ways to

Some common words found in the essay are:
Angeles Houston, Bridgeport CT, United Legally, School April, Columbine School, sexual abuse, , 135000 weapons brought, columbine school, 135000 weapons, music television, teen violence, children learn, weapons brought, rural school, students school, violent teen,
Approximate Word count = 1338
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)