The latest school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, has once again brought the issue of firearms in schools to the forefront of national concern. Across the country, questions about gun accessibility are being raised in the hope of finding a solution that will put an end to school violence.
As parents send their children off to school each day, a lingering fear remains—when will the next shooting occur? The pressing question is: How are students gaining access to firearms in the first place?
The answer is no longer as simple as failing to lock a gun safe. Recent technological advances have made it easier than ever to obtain untraceable firearms. The rise of ghost guns—homemade, unregistered weapons—has escalated concerns, as individuals can now purchase these firearms online or even create their parts using 3D printing.
This issue gained widespread attention after a ghost gun was linked to the recent shooting of the United Healthcare CEO, highlighting the growing dangers posed by these unregulated weapons.
This blog will explore how ghost guns are made, their increasing role in school shootings, and what steps we can take toward keeping ghost guns out of our children’s hands.
What is a Ghost Gun?
Ghost guns, also known as privately made firearms (PMFs), are homemade firearms assembled by individuals who are not licensed manufacturers. The parts are either sold as a kit or individually and can be accessible online. The components are then assembled to create a fully operational firearm.
Ghost guns are especially dangerous because they appeal to and are accessible to people who are not legally able to buy firearms, such as minors. Unlike firearms sold by licensed manufacturers, these kits or parts are sold without background checks and serial numbers, making the weapon untraceable. Furthermore, the kits are purchased at an affordable price, increasing their appeal.
Technological advancements have made access to ghost guns and their components easier. Anyone can purchase kits that contain all the necessary parts of a firearm, including the frame, which is the main component of the weapon. These parts can also be manufactured using a 3D printer, allowing for on-demand firearm production. This method has raised concerns about the potential for mass production.
When a kit is bought online, it usually comes with detailed assembly instructions, simplifying the construction process for most people. Assembling a ghost gun can take only a few hours.
Ghost Guns and School Shootings
Many school shootings have occurred over the years where the student brought a ghost gun to school. From California to Maryland, ghost guns have been documented to have been used in at least five school shootings.
Ghost guns can be easily disassembled and reassembled, enabling students to conceal the gun parts in ways that are hard to detect while entering and moving around a school building. This only accentuates the difficulty school officials have in implementing preventative measures.
Additional issues surrounding ghost guns and how they get inside schools are that traditional metal detectors may not be very effective at detecting them since these firearms often contain non-metal materials. This creates a significant challenge for school safety and security. Future enhanced security measures would require school districts to invest in developing more advanced detection systems.
Steps in Mitigating Ghost Gun Shootings
Recently, a 17-year-old student aimed to raise awareness about ghost guns and the absence of regulations. With a quick online search, he purchased a frame kit for $150, which was shipped to his home. Upon its arrival, he found an instructional video about assembling the handgun. He posted his educational video online, hoping to inform others about how dangerously accessible these gun parts are.
As parents, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the vast information available online to our children. It’s important to remember that internet usage has positive aspects. Setting boundaries online can help your child take advantage of these benefits, as in the example mentioned above.
Teens may relate more to warnings about risky behaviors if they learn them from peers. Make time to understand the information, maintain open and clear communication with your children about serious issues, such as ghost guns, and proactively monitor their activity.
The Sandy Hook Promise addresses the national issue of ghost guns and encourages families to support new regulations to keep these weapons out of the hands of those who wish to do harm. The organization promotes gun safety and violence prevention education, including raising awareness about ghost guns. Supporters of this initiative can help urge lawmakers to take action to save lives.
Investing in Our Future
As parents, it can be difficult to know if we are always making the right decisions for our children. However, every effort to enhance their safety and security provides them with a strong foundation for making responsible choices on their own. By prioritizing their well-being, we take meaningful steps toward creating an environment where they can learn and grow without fear.
Knowledge is power, and even lesser-known threats in security and risk mitigation deserve our attention. The growing danger of ghost guns and their link to school shootings underscore the need for vigilance and proactive solutions. Addressing the root causes of this issue requires a collective effort to implement effective strategies that protect our children. Their future depends on our commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure education system.
