Friday, November 09, 2007
People around the world have been shocked and disturbed by news of a school shooting this week in Tuusula, Finland. Eight people at Jokela High School were killed by a student who went on to take his own life. Even more disturbing is the fact that this tragedy could most likely have been prevented. News source are reporting widely that the attacker posted videos on YouTube indicating what he was planning before he attacked his school. The signs were there. Other people had an idea of what this troubled person was intending to do. If only the students who knew had spoken up to adults in theirs lives, the massacre may not have happened.
In the United States, it is very common for students to know that an attack is being planned before it happens. According to the U.S. Secret Service, in 81% of school shootings, the attacker tells someone about his/her plans before going ahead with them. It is imperative that students take action to keep their schools safe. If young people know of weapon threats at their school and don't feel comfortable talking to an adult, there is a resource available to them: 1-866-SPEAK-UP. 1-866-SPEAK-UP is an anonymous, free hotline that students can call 24 hours a day to report weapon threats at school. A simple call could save many lives. Visit the SPEAK UP section of this website to learn more.
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