Haddon matrix applied to the problem of school violence by firearms
| Host (students at school) | Agent/vehicle (firearm and bullets) | Physical environment (school) | Social environment (school and community norms, policies, rules) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-event (before teen uses weapon) | Educate teens about the dangers of carrying guns to school Educate parents about dangers of allowing teens access to gunsTeach students to recognize and report student behaviors indicative of possible violent behavior | Modify guns so they are only operable by the owner | Install metal detectors at entrances to schools Eliminate storage places in schools (for example lockers) where guns might be kept | Adopt school procedures/policies to notify authorities if a student is suspected of having a gun at schoolProhibit gun carrying on school groundsEnforce restrictions on the sale or transfer of handguns to teenagers |
| Event (when gun is taken out to be fired) | Teach students to take cover when they see guns or hear gunfire | Reduce capacity of weapons to fire multiple rounds quicklyModify bullets to be less lethal | Install alarm systems to call law enforcement as soon as weapons are visible | Have law enforcement officers on duty at school to intervene during fightsDevelop safety plans to help students move to safety in event of violent episode |
| Post-event (after students are shot) | Teach students first aid skill | Reduce the capacity of the gun to continue firing | Make school grounds readily accessible to ambulances | Ensure well trained emergency medical personnel and access to trauma facilitiesProvide post-event counseling to students, staff, and families |