Guns have been around for the entire existence of our country. The AR-15 has been around and for sale to civilians since the '50s. When scientists run an experiment they use a control group and an experimental group. I ask, what has changed since the 1950's? What happened during the 1990's, then the 2000's, and on into the 2010's that could possibly be different then all other points in the history of this country?
Oh yeah, computers and by extension cell phones then smart phones. Starting in the 1990's and exploding in the 2000's and 2010's computers, smart phones, and the advent of "social media" have changed our society and the way kids interact. Cause and effect.
Cause: a detachment from the real world by delving into the cyber world, a lack of human interaction, a lack of human relationships and working through problems and conflict resolution, access to a non-stop barrage of influence and content, cyber bullying that never ceases.
Effect: kids who become young adults who have mental issues and problems in dealing with the society. Result, mental illness, disengagement, violence, shooting up schools, their tormentors.
Solution: why are we focusing on guns? Guns have been around the entire time and are not the root cause of our issues. Why do we not address the real issue, a detachment from society, a breakdown in human interaction? Time to put limits on smart phones, tablets, computers, etc. for minors. Maybe put time limits or data limits on these devices for those under the age of 18. Instead we tech up our classrooms and put iPads into the hands of our first graders. Just plug the kids in and let the device babysit them. What could go wrong?