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 convictions of Jennifer Crumbley and James Crumbley, the mother and father of Ethan Crumbley, who killed four students and injured seven others in 2021 at Oxford High School in Michigan.
In a separate incident, a Texas jury found the school shooter's parents in August not liable for the murders of 10 of his classmates.
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 read part I of this Student Voice piece here.
Adding another possible consequence may lead the shooter to consider more deliberately before making the decision
Lan, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I do think the prosecution of school shooters' parents will help prevent school shootings. As a teenager, I understand that no matter how good the relationship between the shooter and their parent is, parents are undoubtedly an important part of our lives. Adding another possible consequence may lead the shooter to consider more deliberately before making the decision.
Strengthening background checks, addressing gun sale loopholes and funding mental health services are essential and necessary steps toward reducing gun violence in our country
Lucia, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Strengthening background checks, addressing gun sale loopholes and funding mental health services are essential and necessary steps toward reducing gun violence in our country. Furthermore, imposing stricter laws on the acquisition of firearms — like waiting periods and prohibitions on high-capacity magazines — can have drastic effects. We must recognize the underlying causes of violence, such as inequality and poverty, which serve as fuel for gun violence. Sustaining long-term solutions requires addressing these issues. It comes down to finding a balance between upholding Americans' rights to public safety and honoring our Second Amendment rights.
If the parents affected their kids’ mental health negatively, I think prosecuting the school shooters’ parents would help curb mass shooting incidents
Rohit, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Prosecution of parents should depend on the specifics of the shooter's actions. I also think the decision of the student at that time depends on their mental health. And their mental health can be affected by what happens at home. If the parents affected their kids’ mental health negatively, I think prosecuting the school shooters’ parents would help curb mass shooting incidents.
We do not want to criminalize people that are not criminals, we want to help those who need rehabilitation
Aidan, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
If you do start prosecuting parents, it will open a problem where they can and will be responsible for anything their child does. Things like shoplifting and fights their child gets into can be dangerous for the parents. We do not want to criminalize people that are not criminals; we want to help those who need rehabilitation. This could also create a bigger problem for siblings who now do not have a parent. The only time parents deserve to be punished is when they do things like tell their kids to do the crime, overtly influencing them.
With the possibility of facing severe consequences for a mass shooting, parents will likely become inclined to adopt adequate gun safety measures
Aayush, 12th grade, Troy, Michigan
Prosecuting the parents of school shooters has the potential to reduce the number of mass shootings in the United States. With the possibility of facing severe consequences for a mass shooting, parents will likely become inclined to adopt adequate gun safety measures, such as keeping their guns in a safe or a location unknown to their children. However, despite the measures parents may take to curb mass shootings, it is likely inevitable that several shootings may occur when the root causes of this situation are not addressed.
America needs to tackle this problem from the root in order to end it
Naya, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
America has a lot of issues that need to be addressed, but gun violence is one of the more important ones. As there has been an excessive increase in gun cases like school shootings, drive-by shootings and road rage, America needs to reduce easy access to dangerous weapons by taking away our right to bear arms. Many people take advantage of this right and use it to kill innocent people. Although America has regulated this right multiple times, there are still many psychopaths and sociopaths in this world who don’t know right from wrong. America needs to tackle this problem from the root in order to end it.
America as a whole should have a better education system before we sell guns to younger adults that want to buy them
Brody, 10th grade, Beverly, Ohio, member of the National Youth Advisory Board for Sandy Hook Promise
We need to have a better outreach system — because younger kids are on their devices all the time and we know we need to have better programs that reach out to them. We need to all work together. It doesn't help when we have schools pitting kids against each other because of race or ethnicity. Are we going to end school violence? No. But if we all work together and end up at the same goal, we can prevent a lot more school shootings. I also think that America as a whole should have a better education system before we sell guns to younger adults who want to buy them. I'm not saying I want to take guns away. I'm saying that I feel like we should better educate people about them and have better support systems for kids who are struggling.
If someone is issued a gun, then the people who share a household with that person need to know
Jordyne, 12th grade, Harrisburg, North Carolina, member of the National Youth Advisory Board for Sandy Hook Promise
There needs to be stricter background checks put in place that account for more risk factors, such as mental health history. I also believe there needs to be some kind of notification system when someone is given a gun. If someone is issued a gun, then the people who share a household with that person need to know, so that they can be aware.
I think that if parents are seeing that there is a chance they could be prosecuted if their child carries out a mass shooting, they are going to approach things differently with their child. They will pay more attention to their behavior, making sure their child is not expressing concerning thoughts and not posting violent things or making threats. No parent wants to go to prison.
If the idea behind prosecution is to influence parents to pay closer attention to their children, I fear that message will fall on deaf ears
Jon, 11th grade, Catawissa, Pennsylvania, member of the National Youth Advisory Board for Sandy Hook Promise
Legislative action remains one of the essential methods to curb gun violence. The more ignorant route to change would be to say that people just need to be raised better, or people just need to go to therapy or any other excuse when really the problem lies in the outdated laws.
Honestly, I don’t believe prosecution of school shooters’ parents will curb mass shootings because the parents of school shooters are often oblivious to what their own children do. If the idea behind prosecution is to influence parents to pay closer attention to their children, I fear that message will fall on deaf ears.
Ultimately, it requires a collective effort, transcending political divides, to prioritize human lives over political agendas
Kylie, 12th grade, East Troy, Wisconsin, member of the National Youth Advisory Board for Sandy Hook Promise
To truly put an end to America's epidemic of gun violence, a multifaceted approach is imperative. We must enact comprehensive gun safety legislation, including universal background checks and closing loopholes. Investing in mental health resources and early intervention programs is essential to address underlying issues.
Additionally, promoting community-based violence prevention initiatives and addressing systemic inequalities are vital steps. Education on responsible gun ownership and making safe storage is a normal part of conversations is key. Ultimately, it requires a collective effort, transcending political divides, to prioritize human lives over political agendas so myself and other youth don’t have to worry about sending that last “I love you text” to our parents.
I believe it starts with equipping the youth with the resources they need to take on gun violence
Daelyn, 12th grade, Dunn, North Carolina,member of the National Youth Advisory Board for Sandy Hook Promise
America's gun violence problem can not be completely tackled until there is much more awareness around the issue. So often people do not voice the severity of the issue and advocate for proper resources. I believe it starts with equipping the youth with the resources they need to take on gun violence for the upcoming generations.
I believe that it is the parents' obligation to keep guns in a safe place and to teach their children proper gun safety. Every circumstance is different, so I feel parents should do all that they can to prevent their children from having these guns unsafely and watch for warning signs.
Requiring permits and extensive background checks could ensure that gun owners do not have past criminal histories or mental health issues
Noveen, 12th grade, Miami, Florida, member of the National Youth Advisory Board for Sandy Hook Promise
Student Noveen in Washington DC. Photo courtesy of the author
Gun violence has a substantial impact on youth. Mortality due to firearms is a leading cause of death in children and teens. It is necessary for the government to ensure that there are safety measures in place. Many states have made firearms more accessible, contributing to more violence. Requiring permits and extensive background checks could ensure that gun owners do not have past criminal histories or mental health issues. Adults should be educated about the dangers of procuring a gun and to keep firearms away from children. Schools should also teach students about gun safety and prevention of violence.
I think that the prosecution of the parents of school shooter is a step in the right direction
Fajr, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Some measure that should be taken against gun violence is that harsher gun distribution laws should be passed making it more difficult to gain access to a gun — not just for minors but also other adults. It should be a requirement to have a deep background check on people who do get guns in order to ensure they end up in worthy hands.
I think that the prosecution of the parents of school shooters is a step in the right direction. Prosecuting the parents of these shooters is a way to force them to take responsibility of their child actions, bringing more attention to the way that these individuals are raised and what they are brought up to believe, which ends up affecting how they act.
As it is said, "the abused become the abusers”
Simona, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
The prosecution of the parents will help curb shootings. The way people are raised has a lot to do with how they act in the real world, and if they’re doing horrific things like this, it really shows the way that the parents raised the child, at what moral standards they were kept and what mental state they were put in growing up. It also forces them to take accountability for doing these things in the wrong way and potentially being violent towards their child, leading them to eventually become a bad person committing violent acts themselves. As it is said, “the abused become the abusers.”
The problem isn’t our potential. It’s our national will.
Manav, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Solving America’s gun issue is complex. Will we ever get rid Americas gun violence? Perhaps not completely. However, can we reduce its mass prevalence? Absolutely. When you discuss gun regulation, it should mean keeping guns out of the hands of youth and holding the gun industry accountable. It’s not that the United States can’t stop gun violence. Actually, the fact is we could. The problem isn’t our potential. It’s our national will. Instead of, “Is this working?,” it’s a matter of, “Is this as effective as it should be?” It’s a matter of a sufficient balance. One that we’ve yet to try.
Most high school seniors are 18, and I think that it’s negligent for a young adult to have access to firearms
Delaney, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I think that to improve gun safety, the minimum age for purchase should be 21 and include a background check. This rule would reduce the number of 18-year-olds in possession of guns. Most high school seniors are 18, and I think that it’s negligent for a young adult to have access to firearms. In my opinion, parents should be held responsible for their children's actions related to shootings. There are warning signs and I think parents should be able to notice if their child has them, and if so, they shouldn’t neglect the signs.
We are the only country that experiences this many school shootings, and it is frankly so sad
Selma, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
In order to put an end to America's epidemic of gun violence, we need to advocate for stricter gun laws. Gun laws have always been a touchy subject between Republicans and Democrats, but what we don't realize is that this ongoing disagreement is hurting the country. We are the only country that experiences this many school shootings, and it is frankly sad. We need to do strict background checks and limit gun use in America. I think that the prosecution of school shooters' parents will help bring down the shooting incidents. Although this is a controversial topic, parents like Ethan Crumbley's were enablers, and that is not what we need in this country to minimize shooting incidents.
By jailing the parents, it will make them pay attention to their children
Adeline, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
By jailing parents of school shooters, I think the number of shootings will decrease. The rulings from the shooting at Oxford with Ethan Crumbley are milestones, as the parents faced punishment. By jailing the parents, it will make them realize they need to play a more active role in their child’s life. The Crumbley parents had tried to do anything they could to get out of jail, but it was fruitless. They allowed their son to do everything he did. By jailing the parents, it will make them pay attention to their children, effectively reducing the number of shootings.
I don't believe this precedent will drastically impact the number of school shootings, but it'll hopefully get this on parents' radars
Thomas, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I believe that the prosecution of the school shooter's parents help set a precedent that parents do have responsibility over the actions of their children and will hopefully make parents be more attentive to changes in a child's behavior and shine more light on a child's mental health. I don't believe this precedent will drastically impact the number of school shootings, but it'll hopefully get this on parents' radars and shed more light of the parental effect on school shooting.
Whether a parent is either enabling their behavior or unaware, they are still directly responsible because of neglectful parenting
Lauren, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I believe that it is necessary to begin to prosecute the parents of school shooters, which will inevitably help curb mass shooting incidents. In most cases, the child is exhibiting concerning signs that their mental state may be currently unstable. Such children having easy access to a gun leads to mass shooting incidents. And whether a parent is either enabling their behavior or unaware, they are still directly responsible because of neglectful parenting. As parents, you are responsible for your child's safety as well as for monitoring their behavior. By not fulfilling these duties, you should be liable.
Gun control and more restrictions on who can obtain a gun can help curb the number of shootings, but I think it is more important to address the root of the issue
Bismaad, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
With the looming election, ways in which we should address America’s gun violence epidemic are becoming important issues on presidential platforms. Of course, gun control and more restrictions on who can obtain a gun can help curb the number of shootings, but I think it is more important to address the root of the issue. Why do people have the desire to kill innocent people? It is imperative to institute mental health education, services and reform. Furthermore, by addressing systemic issues — like poverty — that leave people in bad situations, we can lessen the number of mass shootings in America.
In charging shooters' parents, the government could send an important message, but there would not be a concrete effect on the amount of shootings overall
Sophia, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I do not think that the prosecution of school shooters' parents will help curb the amount of mass shooting incidents. Although it is an important step to take in order to make parents more responsible for firearms, the majority of the adult population would not be moved to take additional precautions in the storage of guns. Many parents feel that they are not responsible for the actions of their children, especially in a scenario like this. In charging shooters' parents, the government could send an important message, but there would not be a concrete effect on the amount of shootings overall.
Anyone and everyone can wield a gun even if they don’t have a license
Nisha, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
Gun violence arises from the thought that people need a gun to protect themselves. The government will also not ban the public from purchasing guns because they promote a big part of the economy. It happens everywhere — schools, malls, stores, etc; but this mainly arises because anyone and everyone can wield a gun even if they don’t have a license. I think that if the government could ban guns and get another safer alternative, this could result in less gun violence, because such dangerous weapons could not be wielded by just anyone, and money would continue to flow into the economy.
Most parents aren't buying these weapons with the intent of their children using them
Victoria, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I think the prosecution of school shooters' parents will not help curb incidents in the ways we want. Although it is a good first step, most parents aren't buying these weapons with the intent of their children using them, but more for safety. It may force parents to reassess their storage and other precautions with their weapons, but it won’t stop most from purchasing them. However, it may force state legislatures into passing gun storage laws. For most, safety is a necessity, and weapons are used to feel secure. The prosecution of a parent doesn’t affect the violent act of another.
I believe in order to purchase a gun, there not only must be a background check, but also a medical background check.
Shamanth, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
I think the prosecution of school shooter's parents is a crucial step in helping curb mass shooting incidents. A minor's close family has a very significant influence on them. In Crumbleys' case, easy access to weapons that only the adults have a license for is extremely irresponsible, and it allows for even the thought of doing such a horrendous crime.
The original piece of this crime started when Ethan Crumbley's parents bought and irresponsibly possessed the gun. Measures taken to punish that original action are what may bring about actual change. Gun-owning parents across the country will take it more seriously if the punishment is extended to parents as well, hopefully understanding the large responsibility they have in not exposing their children to guns for such terrible, senseless purposes.
I believe that schools should partner with the community, local government agencies and stakeholders to further protect our youth and their mental health
Nyla, 11th grade, Troy, Michigan
In order to finally curb the ongoing gun violence epidemic, it is vital to create a safe and supportive school environment for students to utilize restorative practices, such as counselors, peer mediation and access to helplines. I believe that schools should partner with the community, local government agencies and stakeholders to further protect our youth and their mental health. With the efforts of not only the school district and administration, but us as students and the upcoming generation, we can truly put a stop to our country’s gun problem.
The first and biggest initiative that can be taken to curb this epidemic of mass school shootings should be targeted at the aggressor’s homes
Ashmit, 12th grade, Troy, Michigan
The first and biggest initiative that can be taken to curb this epidemic of mass school shootings should be targeted at the aggressor’s homes. I think the only way it makes sense for potential school shooters to even have access to lethal guns is if their parents buy them, because they cannot legally buy guns by themselves. I think for a majority of such cases, the parents were the ones buying the child the guns, and with the threat of potential prosecution if those guns are used maliciously, I think it would seriously halt many parents from giving their immature children such deadly weapons.
To effectively end gun violence in America or help to end gun violence, comprehensive measures are needed
Leopold, 12th grade, Troy, Michigan
To effectively end gun violence in America or help to end gun violence, comprehensive measures are needed: enforce strict background checks, ban assault weapons, implement red flag laws and invest in community violence prevention. Promote responsible gun ownership, enhance law enforcement’s ability to curb illegal gun trafficking and support local law enforcement with federal tools and resources.
Additionally, investing in evidence-based community violence interventions, expanding summer programming and supporting reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals are crucial. These actions, part of a broader strategy, aim to address the root causes and reduce the incidence of gun violence.
We want to hear from you! To share your solution to gun violence in schools, post an Instagram or tweet to @NewsHourExtra using #StudentGunReformIdeas or email education@newshour.org for more information.
Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each week.
