On March 28, CNN reported that so far this year there have been 17 shootings at schools in America that resulted in injuries or death. That averages 1.4 shootings a week, the report noted.
In my most recent column, I asked parents/grandparents to share conversations they're having with the children/teenagers in their families.
Here are some responses:
"Start with a clear discussion about how one's behavior towards others should reflect how one wishes to be treated," says a local father, noting it's the "Golden Rule." "Explain about personal responsibility and the fact that actions have consequences."
Karen Nazor HillThe father says explain to children that there are laws in America that were made to keep people safe. But, as we know all too well, he says, not everyone obeys laws.
"Tell the child that because people are free to make decisions on their own, to make up their own minds, sometimes they make bad decisions and choose not to follow the laws. These people are called criminals. Ask your child what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Read the Bill of Rights with the child. It's not very difficult to understand, and it is very clearly written.
"Listen to what they (the children) have to say. Chances are, the child will come up with their own answers/conclusions about what is right and wrong and take it from there," he says.
Gun laws, of course, are at the center of conversations about school shootings.
Another local dad, a gun owner, offers his perspective.
"First, I'm not an NRA (National Rifle Association) member, used to be, but frankly got tired of their constant pestering to join for longer times," he says. "I am a gun owner of all types, handguns, shotguns and, yes, even the dreaded AR-15.
"My 14-year-old has shot all of them. We have been through classes, and he knows that guns are not toys."
He says he and his son shoot only for sport.
"He (the son) has a clear understanding of the values. We have taught him about respect and empathy toward others and good and bad in this world. It is something we speak about frequently in my house, about making a positive difference in this world. Plus, he understands there are consequences for bad behavior, effort, etc. We talk about the movement of 'Never Again,' and obviously no one ever wants this to happen."
Addressing the Parkland school shootings, the dad believes lack of communication led to the tragedy.
Do we need more laws? he asks.
"I personally would like to see mental patients not have the right to own a gun, at least for a certain amount of time before being re-evaluated. I, like many others, don't think a knee-jerk reaction to creating more legislation will be beneficial. Does an 18-year-old need an AR? I went over 40 years without one and was just fine, so no. However, we have soldiers that come back from the war that are enthusiasts and we're gonna tell them to go fight, but when you come back you gotta wait until you're 21. Sound right? Not to me."
This father says his son has participated in safety drills at school.
"Is he scared with the thought of a drill for this? Not really; it's just a drill they've done - much like we used to do drills in the '80s during the Cold War. Is it more at the forefront now; is the media covering it more sensationalized? Of course, but is it safe to say that might be perpetuated because of the never-ending news cycle covering it?"
He has advised his son about what to do if there's an active shooter in his school.
"... lock up in the class as instructed or to run like hell," he says. "Statistics show that the more mobile you are, the less likely you are to get hit.
"The way we choose to raise him is in a fiscally conservative and socially independent household," the dad says. "We shoot guns fairly often and have a healthy respect for them and our use of them. Again, we talk every night and the topics vary, so one night it's pure academic stuff, the next it could be football, social issues, etc."
Lastly, a father of two grown men (no grandchildren) says his advice to youngsters is simple. "Pray," he says.
"I do understand how tough it must be to talk about the real world to (children)," he says. "Tell them that bad things are a part of living in this world. We adults can change human evil by placing life values above money and political power.
"Tell them it is something to pray for," he says, adding that when they turn 18, they can do something else that could help. "Vote."
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com.