School is supposed to be a place to learn, make new friends and try new things, not a place where students worry about their safety. School shootings are a big issue in the United States; since 1999, more than 390,000 students have experienced gun violence at their schools.

It is important to have safety measures both inside and outside school, including properly trained security guards and police officers. Students should not have to go through their days worrying about their lives. While school violence often happens within school hours, there should still be increased security at after-school events like sporting or fundraising events.

High school sports are very popular and serve as a place where students cheer on their classmates, teachers support their students and parents encourage their kids. It is so easy for something unfortunate to happen at these events.

A few weeks ago, something tragic happened at a high school in Frisco, Texas: there was a fatal stabbing involving two athletes. This is just one of thousands of incidents where students, teachers and parents have been injured or killed on school grounds.  This highlights the importance of having a more disciplined and effective security system, especially during larger events. More trained security guards and police officers at sporting events would help stop tragic incidents. This would ensure the safety of athletes and spectators so they can do what they came to do: enjoy the game.

As for in-school safety, it is critical to take protective measures such as improved security systems, mental health support for all students and staff and training for emergencies. If there are more safety measures, students will feel safer throughout the day, which can help them stay focused. Students should be able to sit in their classes and feel safe with their teachers, so they can learn productively. Also, parents should not have to worry about sending their children to school because they believe their child will be attacked or injured.

Gun violence is a big problem in the U.S., and the last place it should be affecting is school classrooms and events. Protecting schools is not just about physical safety, it is also about creating an environment where students and teachers feel safe for countless hours. Schools all around the U.S. need to make the safety of their kids and staff a bigger priority by implementing more safety measures, training staff better and allowing police officers to be stationed inside schools and at outdoor events.