Originally published Aug. 23, 2024 and updated Sept. 6, 2024
Editor's note: On Sept. 5, 2024, the father of 14-year-old Georgia school shooting suspect was arrested on multiple charges. In the spring of 2024, NewsHour Classroom put out a call to middle and high school students across the country about their thoughts on gun violence in America and the justice of charging the parents of school shooters with crimes.
The call followed the manslaughter conviction of Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of Ethan Crumbley, who had killed four students and injured seven others in 2021 at Oxford High School in Michigan. Ethan's father James was also convicted of manslaughter.
Note that the majority of our respondents are from Troy, Michigan — a community near Oxford. Their grade levels indicate their grade in spring 2024 when they responded to the question. You can view part two of this series here.
It is important to hold parents responsible for keeping their weapons in a place where their children cannot access [them]...
Caden, 12th grade, Louisville, Colorado
Increased restrictions and precautions should be put on individuals who are purchasing firearms, including increased background checks and more training. Furthermore, I believe that rifle weapons like AR-15s should be significantly harder to purchase, as they are often used as weapons in mass shootings.
Prosecuting school shooters' parents won't be a complete solution to the problem at hand, but it may be a step in the right direction in the ultimate goal of ending gun violence and mass shootings. It is important to hold parents responsible for keeping their weapons in a place where their children cannot access, and they should also be prosecuted if they intentionally give their child access to a firearm which they then use to injure or kill others.
I believe the prosecution of school shooters’ parents will help curb mass shooting incidents as it will force parents to be more involved their children’s lives...
Abhradeep, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I believe the prosecution of school shooters’ parents will help curb mass shooting incidents as it will force parents to be more involved their children’s lives to promote responsibility. This may not only prevent potential shooters from making any rash decisions, but also possibly prevent whatever mental issues spurred the decision to shoot a school in the first place. This may also encourage parents to better protect their firearms and keep them away from their children.
Laws should be passed requiring a hunting license, background check and application detailing purpose of use for each gun purchase.
Julie, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
To end America’s epidemic of gun violence, I think that only law enforcement and subsistence hunters should have guns. Laws should be passed requiring a hunting license, background check and application detailing purpose of use for each gun purchase. Convicts and those who have a history of substance abuse or mental health concerns should not be allowed to buy a gun, and any guns previously purchased should be confiscated if these situations later arise.
I think prosecuting school shooters’ parents will curb mass shootings by encouraging other parents to be more diligent in detecting dangerous behavior in their children.
There are multiple measures that can be taken to reduce gun violence in America. One option is making it harder to obtain guns.
Kazim, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
There are multiple measures that can be taken to reduce gun violence in America. One option is making it harder to obtain guns. This can be accomplished by increasing the minimum age to buy guns or also by raising taxes on guns and similar items.
I feel that guns should not be legal in our country, but this is not a realistic solution.
Adam, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I feel that guns should not be legal in our country, but this is not a realistic solution. However, we should make sure the person buying the gun is in good mental health and also make sure everyone in the household with access to the gun is capable of keeping others safe. I also believe that parents should be held accountable if their child commits a crime with their gun, because they have the responsibility of having that gun and making sure everyone else in their community is safe.
One idea is to implement more attentive security in public areas...
Prisha, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
One idea is to implement more attentive security in public areas, such as schools, banks, hospitals and even governmental offices. Another idea is to place metal detectors in areas, especially schools, in order for officials to stay alert and work towards lessening the impact of gun use. These two solutions would help combat the gun epidemic and lead to a safer future.
I firmly believe that the act of prosecuting parents alone will not cure the problems in America.
Adam, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I firmly believe that the act of prosecuting parents alone will not cure the problems in America. Oftentimes, assailants are set in their decisions to wreak havoc on communities. However, some are simply seeking attention. I believe mental assessments should be required with all shooters. Conducted by the government, the assessments would determine the motivation to cause harm and would guide judges in consequential decisions. Should the assessment classify the assailant as mentally unstable, the parents shall not be prosecuted. If they are deemed stable, parental prosecution is likely to reduce mass shootings.
Some states don’t take this epidemic seriously
Jayanth, 12th grade, Troy, Michigan
Some states don’t take this epidemic seriously and most likely have voters who don't either. But this is a serious issue that the government needs to address.
I would propose to run a background check on the parents after shootings, and charges could be brought based on results. I feel like this is a great solution since it really shows if the parents played a factor in the child’s behavior or not.
Parents can encourage immoral behavior by carelessly introducing weapons into their children's lives
Samiksha, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I think the prosecution of school shooters' parents will help curb mass shooting incidents, because many school shootings result from kids gaining access to weapons through their parents. For example, Ethan Crumbley had bought the gun he used at the Oxford school shooting with his own father, who acknowledged it as a "gift." Parents can encourage immoral behavior by carelessly introducing weapons into their children's lives.
We can invest in community programs that address the causes of gun violence.
Armaan, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
To end gun violence in America, we should implement stricter background checks for gun purchasers to help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. Additionally, we can improve mental health support and identify potential warning signs in individuals at risk of causing violence. We can invest in community programs that address the causes of gun violence. Enhancing law enforcement efforts to track and combat illegal gun trafficking will reduce the availability of guns to criminals.
Parents who have actively contributed to their child's access to guns or ignored warning signs should face legal and consequences.
If parents are held responsible, there will be more parents willing to pay more attention to their children’s thoughts or actions.
Anna, 12th grade, Troy, Michigan
If parents are held responsible, there will be more parents willing to pay more attention to their children’s thoughts or actions. I also think that this will help because then the kids who do these acts will hopefully receive less attention than what they want. But there will always be bad people in the world, and there’s no stopping that.
Given the gravity of the situation, funding for research into gun violence is insufficient.
Aniha, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Federal funding and gun control are two specific measures that can be used to put an end the epidemic of gun violence in America. The Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 is one example of a successful gun regulation. Timothy Welbeck, an assistant professor of anthropology and African American studies, says that the ban has reduced the number of people killed by assault rifles.
Given the gravity of the situation, funding for research into gun violence is insufficient. The federal government has the responsibility and opportunity to take the lead in sponsoring research that identify gun violence as a public health problem.
Mass shootings often involve many complex factors such as mental health issues, societal influences, access to the guns...
Minseo, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
The prosecution of school shooters’ parents will help curb mass shooting incidents to some extent, but is unlikely to fully curb them. It’s important to hold parents accountable for their children’s actions. However, mass shootings often involve many complex factors such as mental health issues, societal influences, access to the guns, etc. .So, addressing these issues comprehensively through measures like health care support and gun control legislation is crucial for reducing the frequency of mass shootings.
It is heartbreaking to see children who have so much life ahead of them having their lives cut short due to gun violence.
Mariam, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
It is heartbreaking to see children who have so much life ahead of them having their lives cut short due to gun violence. Anyone with a gun should have a license for that gun as well as have to bring the gun in for inspection every two years. The government should also pay for a metal detector at every school.
Students are less likely to consider gun violence as the way out of their situation if they know that they are on the school's radar for safety concerns.
Ana-Sofia, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I don’t think persecution of school shooters’ parents will directly curb mass shootings on its own. Persecution serves as a warning to gun-owning parents, but prevention should be directed at their kids as well. Enforcing reports of firearms so schools are aware of who has access to guns at home, and student knowledge of this report, might serve as a good fear factor for students with that accessibility. Students are less likely to consider gun violence as the way out of their situation if they know that they are on the school's radar for safety concerns.
Assault weapons are exceptionally deadly firearms commonplace in mass fatality shootings.
Blessing, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
We need drastic measures to address the rising effects of America's epidemic of gun violence. In 2023 alone there were 656 mass shootings but an 8-10% decrease in deaths related to gun violence. Assault weapons are exceptionally deadly firearms commonplace in mass fatality shootings. They are generally capable of firing far more bullets, far faster than manual-action hunting rifles. Prohibiting assault weapons can prevent mass shooting injuries and deaths.
We also need to implement comprehensive background checks to ensure that firearms are not sold to individuals with criminal records, a history of domestic violence or severe mental illness. Addressing loopholes such as private sales and gun shows where firearms can be purchased without background checks is critical.
Schools should provide education and training once a month on how to best react to school shootings.
Jane, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
There are many forms of gun violence, but one major form of gun violence is school shootings. This phenomenon has unfortunately become more and more common recently. Some strategies schools use to prevent shootings include metal detectors and requiring clear backpacks. Instead of waiting for something to happen, I believe it should be required for schools to enforce the use of clear backpacks in high school. This will prevent students from bringing guns to school and ultimately reduce the rate of school shootings around the U.S.
Schools should also provide education and training once a month on how to best react to school shootings, so we can limit the number of deaths and injuries.
When parents are held accountable, it can alert other parents and spread awareness.
Shivani, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Holding both school shooters and parents accountable will help reduce school shooting incidents. When parents are held accountable, it can alert other parents and spread awareness. Parents will feel more inclined to talk to their kids about school shootings and acts of terror. This will educate children and force parents to be more cautious about their children's behavior and actions. I believe that many parents overlook the behavior of their children because they could never imagine their child doing such horrifying things. However, this bias could cause a parent to mistakenly overlook a future act of terror.
I think there needs to be mandatory background checks in order to purchase a gun.
Clay, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
First, I think there needs to be mandatory background checks in order to purchase a gun. Secondly, I think we should utilize technology and require fingerprint access to guns so that only the lawful owner can use the firearm. I believe that we should have more accountability and stiffer penalties for careless gun storage. Finally, we need to invest more in mental health treatment.
The way these children grow up is a big reason why they are the way they are.
Riley, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Parents of school shooters should be prosecuted, because the way these children grow up is a big reason why they are the way they are. They can be just as at fault as the kids. Kids who suffer from abuse act out in different ways and the parents need to be held accountable for their actions. Prosecuting these parents will hopefully push other parents to take better care of their kids. I would also hope it influences parents to securely store their guns.
Prosecuting the parents of school shooters could potentially help curb mass shooting incidents, but it's not a straightforward solution.
Noah, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I believe that prosecuting the parents of school shooters could potentially help curb mass shooting incidents, but it's not a straightforward solution. On one hand, holding parents accountable for their children's actions might encourage more adults to then be responsible gun owners and have better storage. If parents knew they could face legal consequences for their child's actions, they might take extra precautions. In theory, this could prevent some shootings by making it harder for potential shooters to access guns. However, it's not always clear when parents should be held responsible for their child's actions.
I believe we need to require gun safety training for firearm owners...
Lilianna, 12th grade, Louisville, Colorado
I believe we need to require gun safety training for firearm owners, similar to how we require training before getting a driver's license. We should also require universal background checks in order to purchase a gun.
I think the prosecution of school shooters' parents will make gun owners more aware of their children's access to weapons, especially if their children are showing warning signs of violence. This may lead parents to take steps to restrict their children's access to guns and get their children support, which would help curb mass shooting incidents.
...I advocate for trauma-informed, healing-centered education to foster growth and responsible decision-making among youth.
Jimin, 12th grade, Troy, Michigan
To combat the American gun violence epidemic, it is imperative to ban the sale of long guns to those under 21 due to the "gap between impulses and impulse control in adolescent brain development," as noted by Professor Timothy Welbeck. This measure addresses the impulsive nature of youth, mitigating the potential for devastating consequences. Emphasizing that an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex does not inherently imply negativity, I advocate for trauma-informed, healing-centered education to foster growth and responsible decision-making among youth.
Gun violence is very concerning to me. I have had close friends and family that experienced school shootings at Oxford and MSU.
Emerson, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Gun violence is very concerning to me. I have had close friends and family that experienced school shootings at Oxford and MSU. If we have to be 21 to drink and purchase alcohol, I think the law should also be 21 to purchase firearms. It should also not be possible for people to purchase guns online, which allows them to skip background checks that should be mandatory for purchase.
I think the prosecution of school shooters' parents will help curb school mass shootings. Parents need to be held accountable. Parents need to be aware of their child’s mental health and seek help when concerned.
I believe in order to purchase a gun, there not only must be a background check, but also a medical background check.
Raegan, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I believe in order to purchase a gun, there not only must be a background check, but also a medical background check. This will help the epidemic decline because people who may have mental health illness or have previous health conditions will stand out.
I don't think holding parents responsible would provide as much help as we need.
Chloe, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I think the government should step in and create a better system for who can own guns, because the problem is rooted in guns being in the wrong hands. There should be a series of tests that buyers have to go through in order to own guns.
I don't think holding parents responsible would provide as much help as we need. Parents sometimes aren't even the root of the problem. Parents should lead by example and show their kids the difference between good and bad and try to look for early signs of mental illness, but sometimes these things are unattainable.
I don’t think I’m in the minority when it seems to me to be both the parents and child’s fault.
Ann, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I hope that the prosecution of parents will help curb mass shooting incidents because in the Oxford case, it was his parents who bought the gun and failed to put it in any sort of safe. Not to mention that they tried to outrun the police, which is never a good idea. All in all, school shootings are a tragedy, but I don’t think I’m in the minority when it seems to me to be both the parents and child’s fault.
Prosecuting the parents of school shooters neglects comprehensive solutions and doesn’t address the root cause of gun violence.
Tashi, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Universal background checks need to primarily be put in place. I also think there needs to be a ban on assault weapons. Lastly, there should be laws that close loopholes. These laws make sure that individuals don’t purchase firearms until they get a proper background check.
I think prosecuting school shooters’ parents will not curb mass shooting incidents whatsoever. This would overlook broader systemic issues like mental health support, societal factors like violent behavior, and, most importantly, access to firearms. Prosecuting the parents of school shooters neglects comprehensive solutions and doesn’t address the root cause of gun violence.
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