Switched-On Magazine

Luckily for some teens in the U.S. they have never seen
a hand gun, heard one shot or known of anyone who has
died as the result of one. But for other teens across
the country, in urban areas and increasingly shifting to
smaller cities, guns are becoming more and more too
common. Statistics state that a teenager in the U.S.
is 12 times more likely to die from being shot by a
gun then in anywhere else in the world. Despite
strict gun laws in many other countries, the U.S.
allows people to obtain guns after having the
proper licenses, and in some states licenses are not
even needed. This makes it a whole lot easier in the
U.S. for teens to illegally obtain a gun. Having an
older friend or sibling purchase one for them, buying
them online, or on the street, acquiring a gun is not
a difficult task.

Did you know that every year in the U.S. 40,000
students bring guns in to schools? In the recent years,
gun violence in schools has been on the rise. Many teens
across the country have to be fearful of being at school,
walking around their neighborhood, what they are wearing,
for fear of being shot at. With the recent rise in
school shooting, more attention has been put on teens
with guns and asking the question ?what makes teens kill??
Some people blame the media, television
programs, movies and video games that portray violence.
Others suggest that teens are so surrounded by all the
violence in the entertainment world that they have a hard time telling
the difference between reality and a fantasy world created.
They become disconnected from reality and do not realize the
effects that violence really has. So, what can you do
as a teen to help stop the prevalence of guns and gun
violence?

1. Be Aware
If you ever hear, see, or think that someone is being
suspicious, or asking around about where they can get
a gun, even if you think someone is joking about
bringing a gun to school, or buying one, let someone
know right away. Call the police, tell your parents or
a teacher what you witnessed.


2. Have a Plan
Although nobody wants to think about the ?worst case
scenario? it could save you life. Look around in your
school and classrooms for an exit strategy. Ask your
teacher what you should do if a situation like a
school shooting ever took place.

3. Be an advocate
Don't be a follower and go along with things you know
are wrong. If one of your friends states that he
thinks it would be cool to own a gun, let him know how
you feel. Start a watch group in your neighborhood
or school to help stop gun violence.

4. Send an email
Guns in the U.S. are readily available for teen
access. To help stop this, send an email, and post
your concerns to your governor, senator or congress
person in the state you live. Let them know that
stricter gun laws could hopefully lower the amount of
guns that teens can get a hold of. Check out the web
address under the LINKS page to take you to a list of
congressional leaders? email addresses in all 50 states.