Far from rare in both middle and high schools throughout the United States, school shootings and other violent incidents have become so commonplace that schools regularly practice lockdowns and students have come to live in fear, facing the unpredictability and uncertainty of whether one day at school could be their last. “Even when children aren’t directly involved in school shootings, they are deeply affected by them,” Kira Riehm, a postdoctoral fellow at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, said.

What could be done to prevent school shootings in the United States? Simply hoping the problem will go away on its own or lessen with time will provide no solution; change must be concrete, visible and proactive.

The use of metal detectors coupled with programs tailored to understand students’ plights are concrete steps to prevent school violence. Investing in mental health resources, such as on-site counselors and early intervention programs, can help identify warning signs before they escalate into violence.

Ben Fisher, a professor at the University of Wisconsin who has researched violence in schools, stressed the importance of mental health programs.

He also emphasized that the focus should be on creating a strong, tight-knit school community where students feel safe and heard, and take pride in their school and peers.

Metal detectors are “highly effective at detecting various firearms, including handguns, semi-automatic pistols and revolvers — the ones commonly used in school violence. The sensors are particularly effective at detecting firearms intended for mass casualties, as these weapons typically contain significant metal components in the barrel and firing mechanism,” and raise morale among students, parents and staff. The presence of metal detectors assures people of their safety, but “the biggest issue with metal detectors is the cost of staffing them,” according to Chris Ciabarra, chief technology officer of Athena Security.

Despite this downside, public opinion disregards the possible downsides of using metal detectors. In an interview with The Ticker, college students and city residents were asked for their thoughts on the use of metal detectors in schools.

All agreed that metal detectors have become a necessary step towards safety in schools. One person’s statement sums up their sentiments: “I think because of the number of school shootings there have been, more metal detectors would be beneficial.”

The school system across the United States needs to adapt to the violence epidemic of the 21st century, where school violence is rife.

Schools must invest in mental health services, conflict resolution programs and anti-bullying initiatives to create a supportive environment where students feel heard and valued.

While metal detectors cannot always prevent tragedies, they can help prevent and deter avoidable tragedies. When mental health programs and help are not enough to keep a student from violence, metal detectors may serve as the last line of defense for students’ lives across the country.

The future lives of our youth are invaluable and worth every dollar and effort put toward their protection from both mental and physical harm. The growing problem of school violence needs a tangible solution, not an obscure hope for one. Young lives depend on change.