Gun violence plagues many communities worldwide, including neighbourhoods in Jamaica. Despite being a small country, Jamaica has been ranked among the most violent countries in the world. The Caribbean island was ranked 10th on the 2020 global list of countries with the highest crime rate. Venezuela claims the top spot, with Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan, Haiti, South Africa, Honduras, and Trinidad and Tobago taking the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th positions, respectively. Gun violence is a concerning issue that drastically impacts children. Children exposed to gun violence in their communities and witnessing it in schools experience severe challenges that are psychological and emotional. They also faced development issues. In this article, we will delve into these impacts and provide potential solutions.
A Childhood Shaped by Fear
In some countries, gun violence is a major issue in schools. Instead of feeling safe in these educational environments, children are filled with anxiety and uncertainty. This makes them fear the environment due to frequent school shootings and wish to avoid them. Other public spaces with mass shootings and frequent lockdowns also create a tense environment that encourages fear to dwell in the hearts of children as they are always on the lookout for violence erupting in the area.
Psychologists have revealed that when children are consistently exposed to such potential dangers, they can experience chronic stress. Chronic stress is very severe, as it can impair a child’s brain development, causing long-term issues with their physical health, ability to concentrate, and ability to form relationships.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
Gun violence takes a mental toll on children when they witness it. Children often develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety when they witness gun violence or survive school shootings. These children struggle to even feel safe in their homes because they become extremely alert to their surroundings and experience nightmares and flashbacks. It is even more intense for children who have lost a loved one to gun violence. They experience a combination of trauma, grief, flaring emotions, and sometimes guilt from wondering if they could have prevented it. In some cases, children continue the vicious cycle of gun violence when they are filled with anger and resentment.
The Ripple Effect on Education
Gun violence often leads to poor academic performance, whether the child is leading a criminal life or they are exposed to gun violence. These children are so affected by the fear and unresolved trauma that they have difficulty focusing on their academics. Not only will they fall back in class due to concentration issues, but they will also miss school very often, particularly if they live in violent communities. Additionally, schools are close to violent areas or experience shootings, leading children to worry more about their safety than their lessons. Their concerns about where to escape and how to evade bullets can interfere with their educational progress.
The Impact on Social Behaviour and Relationships
Some children who are exposed to gun violence avoid social interactions due to fear or emotional exhaustion. Some children become aggressive and hostile towards others. As they withdraw from their loved ones, they create emotional barriers that impact them long-term by making it difficult for them to form and maintain relationships. Children who become aggressive due to gun violence are more likely to engage in violence and create more violence in the community.
Breaking the Cycle: A Call for Action
Reducing gun violence in communities is far from easy. However, there are several things that communities, schools, and policymakers can do to reduce the impacts of gun violence on children. By working together, they can protect children and make the environment safer. Here are some measures that can help reduce the impacts on children:
Stronger Gun Safety Laws—the government can enforce background checks and implement strict firearm regulations to make it less accessible.
Mental Health Support: Provide counselling and professional help for children with trauma and emotional challenges.
School Safety Measures: Teach conflict resolution strategies in schools and communities.
Parental and Carer Awareness: Provide workshops for parents and guardians to learn how to help children with trauma and teach them gun safety.