In the United States, it has been proven that a child or teen is abducted or goes missing every 40 seconds; each year, there are about 840,000 children that go missing, according to the FBI. 

Statistics also show that every 68 seconds, an American becomes a victim of sexual assault, with a majority of victims being between the ages of 12-17. Evidence has been provided by Child Protective Services that shows 63,000 children become victims of sexual abuse or assault.  

55% of victims get assaulted near or at their own homes. Having self-defense weapons would be a major plus for the students who walk to school in the morning, in the dark, and for those who walk home after school. 15% get assaulted in a public area and many cannot defend themselves, especially females, despite their strength. 8% get assaulted on school property, and even though this number is smaller compared to the others it is still a high percentage for somewhere that is meant to be safe and for education. Even though parents take on the responsiblity of teaching their kid about stranger danger and sexual assault, it is not always a stranger committing this crime. It could be family or friends. 

Students walk great distances to get somewhere needed, but they still aren’t allowed to carry weapons for self defense on campus. Schools should start promoting self defense whether it is with a weapon or a class being taught. We are given different extracurriculars, and a class being taught can bring many benefits. It can bring attention to the school– how they are able to prevent daily dangers and how to deal with them. 

In school many have felt unsafe due to another one’s actions. At Virginia Commonwealth University they have permitted pepper spray and do not consider it a weapon on campus. VCU teaches their students the dangers of pepper spray, the proper usage and all the do’s and don’t. 

Taking a self defense weapon to school can mean many things can happen, but there is always a solution. If a student decides they feel safer with this weapon, there should be a form to fill out to know of the consequences of the weapon, the misuse of the weapon, the name and grade of the student who is applying to have such a thing on campus. There should also be a parent or guardian consent form where they agree to the terms as well and want their child/teen to be able to carry it. There could also be a course or a small class after school like Drivers Ed students can take to learn more about what it means to have a weapon. 

If carrying them is such a big issue, there is also the option of having the items being held in the front office and students can come get it once they leave school premises to walk home or drive. I think having  self defense weapons is a great way to keep one safe and students should be