In a poignant video released by the anti-gun violence advocacy group March For Our Lives, a young girl named Mia takes center stage to guide adults through the chilling protocols of active shooter drills. This organization, born from the heartbreaking events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, is pushing for the passage of Senate Resolution 42, known as the Background Check Expansion Act. Their mission is clear: by closing critical loopholes in gun sales, we can reduce the necessity for our children to learn survival strategies in schools—strategies that no child should ever have to know.
Mia’s Heart-Wrenching Message
Mia, who appears to be in the fourth or fifth grade, addresses a gathering of adults during what they believe is a team-building exercise. Her introduction hints at an “expert” on the subject, leading the attendees to expect a law enforcement professional. Instead, they are met with the unassuming presence of a child. “If there was an active shooter, you’d all be dead,” she states bluntly, eliciting visible discomfort from the adults in the room. “When you talk out loud, the shooter can find you. We play a game called ‘who can stay quiet the longest’ so we remember.” The chilling normality of her words reflects the reality faced by 95 percent of public school children across the nation.
Survival Tips from a Child
As the video unfolds, Mia shares more grim survival tips. “You can try to protect your friends by pushing tables and chairs against the door,” she instructs. “And if you’re in the bathroom, you have to stand on the toilet seat so they can’t see your feet.” Her tone is eerily calm, as if she’s discussing a mundane topic rather than the life-and-death strategies that no child should ever have to learn.
She continues, explaining the importance of gathering intel during such a terrifying event. “Listen for sounds that can help the police. If you hear banging, the shooter might be down the hall. If it’s quieter, he could be right outside.” Her advice culminates in a stark reminder: “If the shooter comes in, screaming won’t help. You have to fight back or escape.” Mia even sings a song taught to her by her teacher, designed to help her remember the steps to stay safe during a lockdown.
A Parent’s Perspective
For those who haven’t had their child come home to share tales of active shooter drills, this might feel exaggerated. However, as a parent of a sixth grader, I can attest to the grim reality. Since the Sandy Hook tragedy, my child has participated in these drills, and she has echoed many of Mia’s chilling strategies over the years. It’s hard to fathom that children are being trained to listen for potential gunfire and to stifle their cries to avoid detection.
The Need for Change
The disheartening truth is that our children are being raised in an environment where survival training is part of their school experience. March For Our Lives aims to raise awareness and drive action, declaring, “Instead of enacting laws that prevent guns from falling into dangerous hands, our politicians have made millions of children experts in survival.” It is a call to arms for all of us to advocate for meaningful gun reform to ensure our children can grow up free from such fears.
Resources for Family Planning
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Conclusion
In summary, the March For Our Lives video poignantly illustrates the absurdity and horror of children having to learn survival tactics for active shooter situations. It serves as a call to action, urging society to confront the gun violence epidemic and prioritize the safety of our children.
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