Schools and Safety

Madison City, Alabama, had a shooting at Discovery Middle School on Friday afternoon. The result is that there is a 14 year old boy dead from a shot in the back of the head and a 14 year old arrested charged with murder. It was reported that this is the first school shooting in this country for 2010. Sadly, if something isn't addressed it won't be the last. Madison City is an up and coming community that is very concerned with their children, schools, and community.

According to reports everything was done right after the shooting. The school staff, emergency workers, and students knew exactly what to do. The school nurse started emergency treatment immediately and the HEMSI workers were on the scene within 3 minutes. The student that did the shooting was restrained and the school went on code red lock down. According to the news reports everyone was to be commended for their quick reaction.

The question is was there anything that could have been done before this tragedy happened and what went so wrong?


1. First, this can happen to any school in any community and you can never feel beyond this type of incident happening. Madison City is nationally known for their family oriented community and schools.


2. Second, Parents must be aware of what is going on in their child's life. Below are somethings to be aware of with your own child:
- Are they being bullied?
- Are there drugs or alcohol being used?
-Are their fire arms or knives in the child's possession?
-Are there gangs at the school?
- Are there any unusual entries on email or facebook that your child is concerned about?
- Have you checked their room lately for anything unusual?
- Do you talk to your child and know what is going on?
- Is there any change in your child's behavior, appearance, or friends that concerns you?
- Tell your child that it they know someone who has a weapon or plans to harm themself or someone else they need to let an adult immediately. This is never a time to keep a secret.

3. Third, in almost every elementary, middle, and high school, administrators, teachers, and students have concerns for certain student's mental health. Make sure that any mental health concerns are being treated and addressed by professionals.

There is no way to keep tragedies for ever happening, but if parents do their part at home and the school is prepared and does their part, it is less likely to end in the death of a child and other students not feeling safe while at school. We have not gotten all the facts in this shooting, but I am sure there is more to this story. Please pray for the Brown family as they prepare for the funeral of their child and pray for the family of the young man that did the shooting.