10 years ago, the Columbine High School massacre shocked the country like none other. The American idea that schools in the suburb were a safe haven for children had just been challenged. I was devastated and in complete disbelief by the tragic events that occurred that day, April 20 1999. My eyes remained glued to the TV, waiting to find out what happened. By the end of the day, 15 people were killed (including the 2 assailants), and 23 others were wounded. I kept thinking to myself how could this have happened?

Since then, school leaders have spent billions of dollars trying to restore the confidence of safety in schools. Children walk to school through metal detectors and video cameras. An industry of bullet proof backpacks and other tools to prevent the next Columbine massacre has emerged.

The question is, has the money invested in school security paid off? The answer is yet to be determined.

What do you think? Do you think our focus should be on making schools safer by metal detectors, video cameras, increased security personnel, etc.? Perhaps even gun control is the answer? Or, do you think school safety is simply placing a band-aid on a bigger and deeper issue. Do you think the focus should be on teaching and instilling positive, moral traits on our children. Perhaps implementing character education programs in all of our schools? Or, is there a happy medium with both? Or, perhaps you believe that some children are destined to be a negative force in society.

What are your thoughts on this sensitive subject? We’d love to hear.

Lisa Love

The Bing Note Team