Speaking of Psychology cover image

Speaking of Psychology

Can we prevent school shootings? With Dewey Cornell, PhD

Jan 22, 2025
Dewey Cornell, PhD, a forensic clinical psychologist and expert in school violence prevention, shares valuable insights on how to improve safety in schools. He emphasizes the need for effective threat assessment protocols and collaboration among students, teachers, and law enforcement. Cornell discusses the rarity of school shootings compared to other violence in public spaces and advocates for supportive, non-punitive approaches to handling threats. He also highlights the importance of understanding student behavior and the role of technology in fostering a safe school environment.
38:00

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Schools are statistically safer environments than other public spaces, highlighting the need for a balanced perspective on school violence concerns.
  • Implementing Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines fosters collaboration between educational staff and law enforcement, focusing on support rather than punishment.

Deep dives

The Frequency of Gun Violence in Schools

Gun violence in U.S. schools is statistically less frequent than in many other settings, which can provide some reassurance to students and parents. Despite the tragic nature of school shootings, the average school is unlikely to experience such an event, with incidents calculated at around once every 6,000 years. Furthermore, the data shows that there is more gun violence in everyday environments like parks, stores, and homes than in educational institutions. As such, while the concern surrounding school safety is valid, it is essential to recognize that schools can remain relatively safe environments.

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