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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 21, 2024 02:46 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Brian Munroe |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Safety and Violence Education (SAVE) Students Act |
| The American Psychological Association estimates that nearly one in five children experience symptoms of anxiety and, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of childhood depression and anxiety have significantly increased. In addition, researchers have also correlated the rise in these conditions to increased occurrences of school violence. In recent years, many students have reported being involved in fighting or being threatened by a weapon on school property, while more severe incidents of school violence are unfortunately too often reported on the news. Many people experiencing depression and anxiety may feel that they are alone and, unfortunately, suicide is a leading cause of death among American children today. This legislation, the SAVE Students Act, is a companion to Senate Bill 764. It would require schools to annually provide at least one hour, or a standard class period, of training regarding suicide prevention, violence prevention, and social inclusion to students in grades six through twelve. Students and staff would learn about the signs and signals of depression, suicide, and self-injury as well as the proper reporting procedures to assist those who need help. Additionally, students would learn about the importance of social inclusion and about the warning signs of individuals who may present harm to themselves or others. This training has been implemented through enacted laws in Louisiana and Ohio and is advocated by Sandy Hook Promise, led by surviving family members of victims who were killed in the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. As the occurrence of school violence and self-inflicted harm becomes more frequent, we must take steps to protect our children and intervene before irreversible tragedies occur. Research has proven that these trainings are effective in reducing school violence and other at-risk behaviors and provide necessary interventions for students who need help. We can work together with schools, staff, students, and parents to create more socially inclusive school environments to assist students who could be at-risk for self-harm or school violence-related behaviors. Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation to require schools to provide essential training that will save lives and teach our students about the importance of reducing school violence through social inclusion and early intervention efforts |
Introduced as HB2086