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The issue of school safety has become a topic of significant concern in recent years, particularly in the
United States, where school shootings have become an all too common occurrence. While there are a
number of strategies that can be employed to improve school safety, one solution that has gained
traction in some quarters is the idea of having armed guards on school premises. Proponents argue that
this would be an effective deterrent to would-be attackers and would provide a faster response in the
event of an incident. Opponents, however, argue that having armed guards in schools creates a more
threatening environment and that other measures, such as improved mental health services and gun
control legislation, would be more effective. In this article, we will examine the arguments on both sides
of the issue and consider whether or not schools should have armed guards.
Arguments in favor of armed guards
Proponents of armed guards argue that they would serve as an effective deterrent to school shooters. If
potential attackers know that there are armed guards on campus, they may think twice before carrying
out an attack. Additionally, in the event of an attack, armed guards could respond more quickly than
police officers, who may be several minutes away. Armed guards could also work to improve school
safety in other ways, such as monitoring who enters and exits the building and checking for weapons.
There are several examples of schools that have implemented armed guards and have seen positive
results. For instance, since the Parkland shooting in 2018, a number of schools in Florida have hired
armed guards, and there have been no school shootings in the state since then. In Texas, where the
state allows schools to arm their teachers, the Harrold Independent School District has had armed staff
members since 2007 and has not experienced a shooting in that time.
Arguments against armed guards
Opponents of armed guards argue that having them on school premises creates a more threatening and
dangerous environment. They argue that it can be difficult to determine who should be allowed to carry
a weapon and that having armed guards could lead to accidental shootings or the misuse of firearms.
They also point out that school shootings are relatively rare events, and that focusing on armed guards
as a solution takes attention away from more common causes of violence, such as domestic abuse and
gang violence.
Some experts argue that there is little evidence to suggest that armed guards actually make schools
safer. In fact, a report from the National Association of School Psychologists found that having armed
guards on school premises could actually increase anxiety and fear among students, which could
negatively impact their academic performance and mental health.
Alternatives to armed guards
While there is no doubt that school safety is a critical issue, there are alternatives to having armed
guards on campus. One option is to improve mental health services for students, which could help
identify and address underlying mental health issues that could lead to violence. Another option is to
implement stronger gun control legislation, which could help keep guns out of the hands of those who
may be prone to violence.
Many schools have also implemented other safety measures, such as surveillance cameras, metal
detectors, and emergency drills. These measures can help to identify potential threats and ensure that
students and staff know what to do in the event of an emergency.
Conclusion
While the idea of having armed guards in schools may seem like a straightforward solution to the issue
of school safety, the reality is much more complicated. While armed guards could potentially deter
would-be attackers and provide a faster response in the event of an incident, they also create a more
threatening environment and may not actually make schools safer. Ultimately, the decision of whether
or not to have armed guards on school premises should be based on a careful consideration of all of the
available evidence and an evaluation of the potential risks and benefits. In the meantime
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