School shootings have become an all-too-common occurrence in the news, and the tragedy earlier this week in Wisconsin has brought deep sorrow to another community.
Just recently, a 15-year-old student shot and killed a teacher, a fellow student, and then themselves at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison.
Dr. Justin D’Arienzo, a Jacksonville-based psychologist who works closely with children in school systems, shed light on the concerning normalization of these events.
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“Oh, it’s another school shooting. This is terrible, right?” Dr. D’Arienzo said, reflecting on society’s muted reaction to such tragedies. “We’re still not getting the message about seeing something, saying something.”
Breaking the silence
Dr. D’Arienzo emphasized the importance of speaking up when noticing unusual behavior in children.
When asked why people—adults and students alike—often hesitate to report concerns, he explained, “There’s a hesitancy because people think that things are going to get better magically. That’s part of human nature. Then there’s also the fear of getting it wrong.”
He believes that this hesitancy can lead to missed opportunities to prevent violence, emphasizing that paying attention to the behavior of children and peers can save lives.
Building stronger connections
Dr. D’Arienzo pointed out that creating meaningful relationships is a vital step in addressing these issues.
“It’s about deepening relationships with people and making sure that everybody belongs,” he explained.
He says it’s about intentional connections and friendships, something that schools can foster through dedicated programs.
“Schools should have more programs to make sure that everybody is adjusted and getting along and that there’s no lonely people, or people on the on the outside.”
A call to action for parents and students
The conversation underscores several key actions:
- See something, say something: Whether it’s odd behavior, troubling comments, or signs of distress, reporting concerns can be life-saving.
- Parents’ role: Dr. D’Arienzo urged parents to guide children in recognizing concerning behaviors and maintaining a sense of safety and responsibility.
- Rejecting normalization: Parents and educators must challenge the notion that school shootings are an unavoidable reality.