Can violence in our schools be stopped? Most would say no. Intervention and prevention, on the other hand, are the first steps to reducing the senseless violence that occurs in our schools. There have been hundreds of incidents of violence in schools, ranging from arguments to fights, and ultimately untimely school shootings. School violence prevention is more than a week-long event on a calendar; it takes time, effort and will to better understand the need for safer schools for children. The words “oh my God”, “How did this happen?” comes to mind as the TV announcer gives gruesome details of yet another school shooting. School shootings are becoming more and more common, whether on elementary, secondary or university campuses. People are quick to point to a single factor as to why a person would commit such violence. There is no single factor responsible for such violence; many mitigating factors come into play when dissecting various shootings and why they happen. Although no society is perfect, increased government, political and community involvement is essential to reducing violence in schools. The key to preventing school shootings is, of course, protecting the school. Sounds simple, right? In reality, implementing emergency action plans for schools takes time, expertise, and routine exercises for a plan to work properly. “Every American school must immediately identify, dedicate and deploy the necessary resources to establish these security forces now. And the National Rifle Association, as America's leading trainer of law enforcement and security personnel for 50 years, is ready, willing and uniquely qualified to help” (How Are We Protecting Our Children Right Now ?). Most schools now have... middle of paper ......help assess mental illness and be positive role models for young people. Prevention does not mean that violence will stop, but prevention is the steps taken to deter violence in our schools and in our country. Preventing school violence is not just one person’s job; it takes the contribution of communities, governments, politicians and of course YOU to prevent senseless violence. Works Cited McCCormick, Patrick. “J is for justice.” US Catholic 66.7 (2001): 46. Academic Research First Web. October 14, 2013. Hillshafer, David. “The problem of mass murder.” Skeptic 18.1 (2013): 24-32. Premier Academic Research. Web October 14, 2013. “How do we protect our children now? » Vital Discourses of the Day 79.2 (2013): 036 038. Academic Search Premier. Internet. November 3, 2013. Smith, Patricia Ross, Brooke. “The Gun Debate.” Junior Scholastic 115.14 (2013): 6. MasterFILE Premier. Internet. November 3 2013.