journal entries. Once more, this proves that background checks are only a small part
of truly improving gun control in America. Making changes to the second
amendment (the amendment that allows people to own and keep guns) would help
improve gun control (increasing the minimum age to own a gun, banning certain
firearms from being purchased), but an estimated 40% of all guns purchased in
America are sold illegally, and 80% of those guns are illegal firearms that are
imported into the US from outside countries.
A big start to improving gun control in America is by informing yourself of
how big of an impact school shootings really are. After the Parkland Shooting, many
students were afraid to return to school, the memories being too scarring. This could
potentially affect their learning, the school environment being a hostile and
anxiety-filled one rather than a relaxed environment. Students at Stoneman Douglas
High School have also been required to wear clear plastic backpacks to school. Many
students were upset with the new backpack rule, as they felt as if their privacy was
being invaded. Along with clear backpacks, students also had to walk through metal
detectors before entering the school. Now, what was once a comfortable and relaxed
environment has turned into a jail-like feeling. These actions are what people don’t
typically see on the media, the aftermath of the effects on the students and teachers.
The tone of the fire alarm had to be changed, as it had taken an emotional toll on the
students, and the school requires staff and students to wear an identification badge
at all times while on campus. Gun control in America has been a heavily neglected
topic in the government, but by taking a stand, you can help students feel safer in
their own schools.