By Robert Jordan, Founder of SITE|SAFETYNET℠
The Growing Threat of Mass Violence & What Schools Can Do
Rising Mass Violence: A Call for Urgent Action in School Safety. A newly updated report from the Medical Director Institute (MDI) of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing highlights a concerning reality: mass violence incidents are increasing in the United States, and urgent steps are needed to prevent future tragedies. This report, titled Mass Violence in the United States: Definition, Prevalence, Causes, Impacts and Solutions, builds upon prior research and emphasizes a public health approach to addressing this growing crisis.
While mass violence remains relatively rare, data indicates that these incidents are becoming more frequent and deadlier. From 2000-2016, mass violence accounted for only 0.2% of homicides in the U.S., but that number has increased nearly fivefold in recent years. As experts continue to examine the psychological, sociological, and behavioral risk factors contributing to mass attacks, proactive school safety measures are more critical than ever.
Key Findings & Recommendations
The MDI report calls for urgent, evidence-based action, particularly within schools and community settings. Among the key recommendations:
- Expand Threat Assessment Teams: Schools should establish multidisciplinary behavioral threat assessment teams to recognize and intervene before potential attackers reach a crisis point.
- Enhance School Disciplinary & Support Services: Schools should implement supportive intervention strategies that address behavioral concerns early instead of solely punitive measures.
- Improve Training for Healthcare & School Staff: Educators, counselors, and healthcare workers must receive training in lethal means reduction—a strategy proven effective in reducing violent incidents.
- Prioritize Crisis Intervention Resources: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and other emergency call centers should incorporate harm-to-other risk assessments alongside traditional suicide prevention services.
How SITE|SAFETYNET℠ Supports School Safety
At SITE|SAFETYNET℠, we work with schools to proactively assess their safety infrastructure and identify vulnerabilities before they escalate into real threats. Our real-time safety assessment tools help schools:
- Conduct comprehensive security evaluations to identify risk factors.
- Develop customized emergency preparedness plans aligned with best practices.
- Implement data-driven solutions to strengthen school safety policies.
- Train staff and educators in situational awareness & crisis response.
A Nationwide Wake-Up Call for Schools
Mass violence is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach—including mental health awareness, early intervention, and robust school safety strategies. While no system can predict every violent act, proactive preparation can significantly reduce risks and protect students and staff.
This latest report underscores the urgency of investing in school safety initiatives and ensuring every educational institution has a strong, proactive security framework.
For more information on how your school can enhance its safety protocols, visit SITE|SAFETYNET℠ today.
The time to act is now—because school safety cannot wait.
Understanding the Trends in Mass Shootings: A Reflection and Call to Action
