It’s been just a few weeks since the #NeverAgain movement erupted, captivating the attention of scholars, politicians, and everyday people alike. For those unfamiliar, #NeverAgain is a youth-led initiative sparked by the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a gunman with an AR-15 took the lives of 17 individuals and injured 14 others on February 14, 2018. Among the deceased, 14 were students, and the voices of the young survivors are now leading the charge for change, advocating for stricter gun control measures and challenging the influence of the NRA (National Rifle Association) over policy.
While mass shootings are not a new phenomenon, this time it’s the resilient voices of youth that are driving the conversation around gun violence. As a parent, the fear of a shooting occurring at my child’s school has prompted me to take action—attending school meetings on active shooter protocols and researching the multifaceted gun debate. I’ve come to understand that factors such as America’s gun culture, toxic masculinity, corporate greed, mental health stigma, and easy access to firearms all play a role. However, when addressing mass shootings specifically, we must start with gun control, as firearms are the common thread in these tragedies.
This issue extends beyond schools; mass shootings have occurred in churches, theaters, concerts, and malls. Thus, we need a comprehensive public safety solution that addresses the wider risks. The young survivors from Parkland are acutely aware of this reality.
From this powerful movement, I’ve learned an important parenting lesson: Our children are observant and learning from us every day. Recently, I discovered that one of the leaders of #NeverAgain is the child of a dedicated advocate for those with special needs. This background likely shaped his leadership role, reflecting the values he witnessed at home. I commend the parents and guardians of these young leaders for their influence on their children’s activism. The political engagement of our youth is crucial in molding the leaders of tomorrow.
As an advocate myself, I’ve involved my daughter in various efforts from an early age. For instance, when she was just three, we assembled survival kits for homeless youth, teaching her about empathy and the struggles of others. Just weeks ago, ahead of Valentine’s Day, her teacher requested a simplified approach to card-giving. However, my daughter insisted on addressing each card to her friends personally, wishing for them to feel special. I couldn’t stifle her kindness; instead, I encouraged it, and I wrote to her teacher about her decision to deliver them herself.
At just five years old, my daughter is already grasping the importance of making others feel valued. This experience reinforces the lesson that our children are observant; they absorb our actions and intentions.
This is a critical lesson for parents: our children are learning from us, and they will carry these lessons into their futures. As we support the ongoing fight for gun control, we must ensure that children do not live in fear of violence. The trauma experienced by the parents of victims is unimaginable, and no one should endure such heartache. The Parkland survivors represent our future; let’s unite to support their efforts, advocating for a world where children can learn and grow free from fear.
As caregivers, we must remember: our children are watching us, learning from our actions, and will one day lead us.
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In summary, the #NeverAgain movement serves as a wake-up call for parents everywhere. Our children are absorbing our values and lessons, and it’s essential that we guide them toward compassion and activism. By supporting their voices, we pave the way for a brighter, safer future.
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