[jcommin]

Originally Posted by Christien

Really? My experience is the exact opposite. I know several people whose kids have issues, from as mild as ADHD right up to full-blown schizophrenia (committed suicide due to it). In all these cases the parents have not only recognized and admitted their child has a problem, but have been quite open about it.

My wife is an elementary school teacher and both my kids are in public elementary school, so this subject is obviously pretty important to me. Just looking at some stats last night, this school shooting thing is nothing new, it's been going on for decades, but it has indeed dramatically increased in the last 10-15 years. In the US, it seems to occur most frequently in small towns, or bedroom communities. Here in Canada, it seems confined to our major cities. Around the world, shootings occur almost exclusively in high schools and colleges, mostly high schools.

But the most important stat, IMO, is that school shootings occur in the US far more than anywhere else. I didn't count, but it might even be more than the rest of the world combined. If not, it's certainly close. There's something about the US that makes this occur more often, and I think that's what needs to be the target of any investigation, discussion, soul searching, etc. Why does it happen there so much more than anywhere else? And this is a question that MUST transcend political beliefs, ideologies and religion. This is more important than ideology, pro- or anti-gun beliefs, religious thoughts, shame or embarrassment over mental health issues, or political beliefs regarding funding them. All that needs to be pushed aside to arrive at REAL, HONEST answers to difficult questions.

As soon as the discussion gets caught up in politics, the issue will die, as will more children.

I beleive a teacher will readily see issues with children. We had an IEP (Individual education programs) programs that address issues. My wife and I met with the school to review the performance of our son and adjusted the program as needed. I know of no parent who will admit to their child being on an IEP. Addtionally the idea of medication is rapmanent in schools. When my oldest was in middle school, we learned that 70% of the middle school enrollment went to the school nurse for medication. This could be something as simple as an asprin or if a child needed meds for asthesma or diabeties.

I found myself seeking out parents whose children had issues - we shared information. But I will tell you when it comes to school funding and budgets, money will go to gifted programs or programs for phyiscally challenged kids than for mental or emotional needs.

Most children who have ADHD or similar issues do function quite well as adults.