Since the tragedy at Newtown, the issue of gun control has been in high heat. Some think teachers should be allowed to carry guns on them at all times. Others say guns should be restricted to only those certified to carry one. But there are other issues at hand. Mental health treatment and awareness should be increased, along with gun control and safety.
Guns are an issue, but are not the only problem with our country: mental health and education also play key roles. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of suicide, and mental disorders can contribute to intentional and unintentional injury. Oftentimes mental health disorders can lead to violent events like shootings.
Half of mental disorders develop before the age of 14. The brains of middle school and high school students are still growing and developing, especially the part of the brain used for decision-making. Students who are bullied or feel unsafe often turn to violence.
Education on gun use and regulations should be put in place. Kids should be taught from a young age that guns are used by police for protection and can be available in the home but are not to be used except for emergencies. Anyone who wants to purchase a gun should take a test, like the one taken for getting a driving permit or license. This might limit the number of people that turn to guns for their own use.
If gun control should be loosened and more people carry guns then that just invites gun-holders to use their guns, which could lead to unsafe conditions.
If the government doesn’t step in and make regulations, people will continue to do the things they do. When will the next dramatic event occur? What poor town will be the next victim of someone’s uncontrolled mental disability, with easy access to weapons? Our country needs a solution and it needs it soon.