“There are parts of the world I wish our kids never had to know about,” Ruegsegger Johnson said, tears springing to her eyes. “I wish that there would never be a day I had to tell them the things I’ve been through.”
Now, many of these Columbine students-turned-parents grapple with crippling fear dwarfing pride as their children walk into their own schools. But that is of little consolation to a swath of American parents. About 2 in 10 parents said they are not at all or not very confident in their children’s safety while at school, while a third of parents are very or extremely confident, according to a March survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
“We are so unwilling to actually make meaningful progress on eradicating the issue,” said Eubanks, who remains scarred by watching his best friend, Corey DePooter, die. “So we’re just going to focus on teaching kids to hide better, regardless of the emotional impact that that bears on their life.” She coaches her daughter when she ventures to places outside her mom’s control: Where is the closest exit? What street are you on? Who is around you?Story continues below advertisement
Over’s daughter, Brie, was 11 when her mother first told her about Columbine, a few days before the anniversary. That April 20, they visited the school for a memorial ceremony and then walked together through the quiet halls.
Horrible psychological damage. And they continue to inflict more damage on kids today with ridiculous 'active shooter drills.' The fact is that kids are more likely to be murdered at home by their own parents than at school. It's still the safest place they could possibly be.