Letters to the Editor - September 29, 2022

What makes you feel safe?

 

As a parent, you worry about your kids constantly. From little things when they are small – like making sure they eat their veggies and actually brush their teeth – to bigger things in later years – like broken hearts and new driver skills (or lack thereof)! But the one thing a parent should never have to worry about is whether the child they send off to school in the morning will return home safely. The recent threats to the Philip Simmons schools have highlighted how vulnerable our community is. These threats, even absent physical violence, will have a lasting impact on us all. As parents, we have to be strong for our kids, but it’s hard not to fall apart when your child texts you that they are lying on the floor of their classroom because a gunman is on the loose and no, mom, it’s not a drill. Our kids should never have to be afraid to go to school, worried someone might open fire while they’re taking a math test. School is supposed to be a safe zone and right now it feels anything but. I realize a letter to the editor isn’t going to alter access to guns or mental health services, but parents, we do have a voice here. What do you want to see? What makes you feel safe? What makes your children feel safe? Metal detectors? Bag checks? Security guards? What can we do as a community today to make things better for our children now?

 

RJ Klein

Clements Ferry

 

Guns: Keeping our children safe

 

The  firearm incident at Philip Simmons High School gives us an opportunity to reflect on keeping our children safe. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children under 21 years old, according to the CDC. In 2020, SC was rated No. 5 in the country regarding states with the highest firearm deaths per 100,000 children. Charleston police have shared that firearms stolen from unlocked vehicles or from homes is a continuing problem; those stolen guns are invariably used in crimes. Public health experts have documented that unsecured firearms are an important contributing factor in youth suicide and firearm accidents. It is now well established that mental health stressors are a significant factor in youth involvement in firearm incidents and school shootings.

 

There are strategies we can employ to keep our children safer. The emphasis is on prevention, safety and responsibility. 

 

First, the availability to a licensed mental health counselor (not  guidance counselor) for all our students is key. Training for teachers and staff on student mental health needs and easy access to resources is essential to provide a safe environment. 

 

Second, secure storage of firearms saves lives. Charleston police state: always have your firearms locked and stored securely at home AND in your vehicle; with ammo stored separately. Never leave a firearm in an unlocked car. 

 

Third, explore these local  initiatives – MUSC: Turning the Tide-Violence Intervention Program; plus two teacher initiated nonprofits prioritizing student mental health needs: The Safe Schools Project and Charleston Hope.

 

Peter Zalka

Daniel Island