Gun violence is undeniably reshaping the lives of an entire generation in America. The story of Molly Canty, a 21-year-old college student, sheds light on how deeply this crisis affects the mental health and daily lives of young people. From experiencing panic attacks linked to the Sandy Hook tragedy at age 8 to surviving a shooting at Florida State University (FSU), Canty’s experiences are an all-too-real chronicle of trauma brought on by living under the constant threat of gun violence in schools.

This blog unpacks Canty’s story and looks at the impact of gun violence on America’s youth. From the toll of active shooter drills to the alarming statistics on gun deaths, we explore the weight of a staggering reality and offer insights for effectively addressing this crisis.

Early Trauma and the Legacy of Sandy Hook

Molly Canty was only 8 years old when the Sandy Hook shooting sent ripples across the nation. She vividly remembers the day her school went on alert, her third-grade teacher locking the door and leading lunch inside the classroom. Although she didn’t fully grasp what had happened 40 miles away at Sandy Hook Elementary, the darker reality became clear at home.

Canty recalls watching news coverage in her basement, struggling to make sense of the massacre that claimed the lives of 20 children and six staff members. This event irrevocably changed her perception of safety in schools. Within weeks, routine lockdown drills became a haunting, anxiety-filled reality.

At school, new safety measures included locked doors, restricted access for visitors, and even a rope ladder brought by a teacher in case of evacuation. But the trauma didn’t stop at school procedures. The drills and rising fear triggered constant panic attacks for Canty. Even the thought of her brother starting kindergarten filled her with overwhelming dread.

The Emotional Toll of Active Shooter Drills

Lockdown drills, introduced in response to school shootings like Sandy Hook, have clear intentions—to prepare students for danger. However, research shows they may unintentionally cause more harm than good.

A 2024 report from Everytown for Gun Safety revealed startling findings. Active shooter drills may lead to a 39% increase in depression, a 42% rise in stress and anxiety, and a 23% hike in physiological health issues among students.

For children like Canty, these drills amplify the sense of an imminent threat, making it harder to focus on education and emotional well-being. What was initially seen as preparation has become a constant reminder of danger, reshaping how young students see the world around them.

Parkland and New Shadows of Fear

When the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School occurred in 2018, Canty was 11 years old. This tragedy marked another pivotal moment in her life, leaving her anxious and hyper-aware of escape strategies.

The day after the shooting, her school went into lockdown when the fire alarm malfunctioned. The memory of the Parkland shooter using a fire alarm to lure students into hallways loomed over her like a shadow. That day, she stood frozen among 50 other kids, unable to move or escape.

What made Parkland even more personal for Canty was when she learned that 14-year-old Cara Loughran, a friend from her Irish dance school, was among the victims killed. The shooting stripped Canty of more than just security at school. It took away someone she cared about and revealed the fragility of safe spaces.

Surviving the Florida State University Shooting

For Canty, the unthinkable came even closer in 2024 when a shooter opened fire on the Florida State University (FSU) campus, just 100 yards from where she attended an outdoor class.

“Everyone just started running,” Canty recalls. The orderly scene of a class playing Jenga quickly transformed into chaos as gunshots rang out nearby. She saw professors and classmates running barefoot, and she screamed, “Active shooter!” to alert others.

The 15 to 20 gunshots she heard left an indelible mark on her memory, accompanied by sirens and helicopters. Like so many of her generation, she knew what to do in the immediate aftermath. Canty and her classmates hid in a sound-proof podcasting room, trembling and uncertain for hours before being rescued.

The FSU shooting reignited old fears, plunging Canty into sleepless nights filled with nightmares, anxiety, and anger. Though she sought psychiatric help, her recovery has been anything but linear.

Gun Violence and Its Growing Reach

Gun violence has become the leading cause of death for youth in America since 2020, surpassing car accidents and other tragedies. This growing epidemic is forcing children and young adults into constant fear, resulting in lifelong trauma and mental health challenges.

Data underscores the extent of the problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearm-related injuries claimed the lives of 4,368 youth aged 1–19 in 2020. This represents a staggering reality, where young people are more likely to die from gun violence than almost any other cause.

For students like Canty, the ripple effect of school shootings goes beyond physical safety. It reshapes their mental and emotional landscapes, creating a generation grappling with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and diminished trust in their surroundings.

Active Shooter Drills and Controversial Safety Measures

Active shooter drills, while well-intentioned, may exacerbate the mental health crisis among youth. Instead of feeling empowered or prepared, many students experience heightened anxiety and depression as a direct result of these drills.

Everytown’s report suggests alternative approaches to school safety are necessary. Programs focusing on secure entrances, real-time reporting systems, and on-site mental health professionals could help schools mitigate risks without causing long-term psychological harm.

Canty’s Call for Change

Canty’s lived experiences as both a witness and survivor of school shootings have shaped her into someone deeply aware of the need for systemic change. “We need to do so much more,” she says, angered by policies that leave students vulnerable.

Beyond sharing her story, Canty emphasizes the importance of mental health resources for survivors of trauma. “It shouldn’t take surviving something so horrific to get help,” she adds, urging schools and policymakers to prioritize the well-being of students.

FAQs

1. What is the current rate of gun violence in schools?

According to the CDC, gun violence became the leading cause of death among youth in 2020, with thousands losing their lives annually due to firearm-related injuries.

2. How do active shooter drills affect children?

Active shooter drills may increase depression, anxiety, and physical health issues in students. Studies suggest alternative, less traumatic safety measures should be explored.

3. What resources are available for survivors of gun violence?

Organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, and local mental health support groups offer resources for those impacted by gun violence.

4. How can parents support children struggling with anxiety related to gun violence?

Parents can help by fostering open communication, seeking professional therapy, and advocating for safer school environments.

A Way Forward

Molly Canty’s story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of gun violence on young lives. Her experiences reflect those of countless others navigating an unsettling new normal. Addressing this crisis requires more than safety drills and policy changes. It calls for collective commitment to mental health, compassion, and prevention.

It’s time to do more to ensure that no child grows up haunted by the trauma of gun violence. The question remains: how will we protect the next generation?