Wisconsin school shootings data shows kids still don’t feel safe in schools

(WSAW) - Gov. Tony Evers continues to spread the message about children’s mental health in the state. The Office of Children’s Mental Health is sharing what they know as it relates to school shootings and has some ideas on how they can help schools.

The Center for Homeland Defense and Security states between 1970 and 2022, there have been 79 school-based incidents involving guns in Wisconsin. The center’s website states that this number indicates every instance where a gun is brandished, fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number of victims, time of day, or day of the week.

The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health says nearly 60% of the 27 school shootings in the state between 1970 and 2022 have occurred in the last eight years. Linda Hall, Director of the Office of Children’s Mental Health says an increase in school shootings is severely affecting our youth, especially those who witness a school shooting.

“They are twice as likely to have pain disorders, they are 68% more likely to have psychiatric diagnoses, and 144% likely to be involved in risky behaviors, especially substance abuse,” Hall said.

They have three solutions to help kids feel more safe in schools.

“A culture of belonging at school, a safe storage of guns because most kids get access to guns at home, and shooting drills that are sensitive to not recreating a traumatizing situation,” said Hall.

The Stevens Point Area Public School District has been increasing its mental health resources for all ages. They’ve noticed kids are using these resources and they’ll eventually have to add more.

“We would say that caseloads are quite full,” Stevens Point Area Public Schools School District Assistant Superintendent Chris Nyman said. “In some cases, we still have students who are on a waiting list to receive that support from community providers.”

Both Hall and Nyman say kids, parents, and teachers understand the world we live in. In Stevens Point, they stay prepared while trying to avoid fear.

“Typically, extensive discussion happens in the classroom prior to the drill occurring,” Nyman said. “Letting students know that there is no real danger, but we are just practicing.”

Both agree there needs to be more social workers, therapists, and psychologists in schools. Hall says their data does not support more school resource officers, but Nyman says those SROs are a big help in schools.

Nationwide, states including Texas, Florida, and South Dakota have adopted laws that allow teachers and other school employees who are designated guardians or part of a program to carry guns to help mitigate the risk of shooting incidents in schools.

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