Wed Sep 18 02:13:37 UTC 2024: ## Homeschooling on the Rise After School Shooting, But Experts Warn It’s Not the Answer
**Winder, GA** – Following a tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, which left four dead and nine wounded, the national conversation on gun violence and school safety has reignited. The shooter, 14-year-old Colt Gray, who had previously been investigated for online threats of a school shooting, was charged with four counts of murder. His father, Colin Gray, faces involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder charges for allowing his son access to a weapon.
This case has sparked renewed interest in parental accountability for their children’s actions. Just five months ago, Jennifer and James Crumbley, parents of a Michigan school shooter, became the first parents convicted in a U.S. mass school shooting.
With no clear solution on the horizon for preventing school shootings, many parents are exploring alternatives, including homeschooling. This trend is fueled by fear and a desire to protect their children from potential gun violence.
While conservatives continue to deflect calls for stricter gun control, Democrats emphasize the need for action. Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a Republican, asserted that school shootings are a “fact of life,” advocating for increased school security measures. Vice President Kamala Harris, on the other hand, tweeted that “school shootings are not just a fact of life” and that action must be taken to protect children.
The debate surrounding gun control remains polarized. While some research suggests that stricter gun safety laws can reduce gun violence, the effectiveness of child access protection laws regarding mass shootings remains inconclusive.
Parents are taking matters into their own hands, seeking solutions to keep their children safe. Some, like Eeka McLeod, are teaching their children how to react in an active shooter situation. Others, like Tiktoker @teachathomemommy and content creator Victoria Danielle, have chosen to homeschool their children altogether.
A Washington Post survey found that 62% of homeschooling parents cited school shootings as their primary reason for choosing homeschooling. Homeschooling enrollment has risen dramatically in recent years, with a 51% growth over the past six years.
However, experts warn that homeschooling is not a solution to the problem of gun violence. Homeschooling does not insulate children from the threat of violence, as mass shootings can happen anywhere. Additionally, research suggests that homeschooling is not without its own risks. The 2024 Homeschooling’s Invisible Children report found that 200 out of 500 cases of abuse resulted in deaths.
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education also emphasizes that homeschooling does not guarantee safety. The group argues that removing children from schools only isolates them from the services and community that schools provide.
Ultimately, the solution to school shootings is complex and multifaceted. While homeschooling is a growing trend, it is not a guaranteed solution and may not be accessible to all families. The debate surrounding gun control and school safety continues, leaving parents grappling with difficult decisions about their children’s education and safety.
First Piper 