Teenagers Under the Gun

From the rural tranquillity of Paducah, Kentucky, to the privileged suburbs of Littleton, Colorado, to America's inner cities, gun violence by and against teenagers is rising at an alarming rate. It seems as if teenagers killing other teenagers have become a staple of American life. What prompts young people to embark on shooting sprees? Is it parental neglect? Numbness to violence caused by repeated images on television and in the movies? Or is it the lyrics in some of the music popular with teenagers? Investigative Reports seeks the answers to these questions.

Teenagers Under the Gun is a frank look at the epidemic of violence among young people. It would be useful for classes on American Culture, Psychology and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES: Students will examine the possible causes behind the high incidences of violence committed by and against teenagers using firearms. They will explore and analyze the debate of gun control and its political ramifications as well as the ethical debates.

• Alleged
• Candid
• Consequence
• Embodiment
• Infamous
• Misdemeanor
• Obsession
• Psyche
• Reconcile
• Remorse
• Seance
• Swastika

1. Natasha Coronet is a prisoner at the young age of twenty. Discuss how Natasha's childhood might have contributed to her current situation.

2. Who is responsible for Natasha's crime? How much should a parent be responsible for their child's actions? What, if any, responsibility should schools have?

3. Teenagers have their whole lives in front of them. Why then do some teenagers commit crimes that not only destroy the lives of others, but their own as well?

4. In April, 1999, America watched with horror as the tragedy at Columbine High School unfolded. Do you think what happened at Columbine can happen in your school? Why or Why not?

5. What can be done to prevent incidences of violence such as the ones that occurred in Littleton Colorado and Paducah, Kentucky?

6. How can parents help their children to prevent incidences of violence?

7. Many parents fear the "gothic subculture" that some teenagers are involved with. What is the "gothic subculture?" Do you think there is anything to fear about it?

8. Many blame popular culture for the rising incidences of teen violence. Does television or music have an effect on teen violence? Can it be considered a cause or influence?

9. Are you afraid of gun violence in your school? If yes, how do you deal with your fear?

10. How would you define your relationship with your parents? Do you feel you could go to your parents if you were troubled? If you could not go to your parents, whom could you seek out for help?

11. Discuss some warning signs that might indicate a possible episode of teen violence.

1. What are the gun laws in your state? Do you feel they are too lenient? Too stringent? What would you propose to change existing laws? Write a letter to one of your city's elected officials explaining your position and what you would like to see them do to change existing laws.

2. Organize a debate between students holding opposing views on gun control. Be able to back up your opinion for or against gun control with data. Pretend you are a relative of someone who has been shot, what would you say to the person who committed the crime? What would you like to see your elected officials do? What are some things you can do to prevent accidental shootings from occurring? Gun safety?

3. List several recent movies that have come out. Which ones would you like to see? Why? How many of them deal with violence (specifically gun violence)? Do you think American youth has become desensitized to violence as a result of what is seen in movies/on TV? Could this explain the readiness of some young people to involve themselves with guns, gangs, etc.?

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Air Dates

• August 07, 2003
• October 23, 2003