Would Fewer Guns Lead to Peace?

Commentary by Raven Irving. Image courtesy of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Every child represents potential, joy, and the future, and their untimely deaths leave deep scars in families and on communities. This is why it is important to address issues like health care, safety, and social support to minimize such losses. It’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to create a safer and healthier world for all children. I believe that guns should be banned because it would stop a lot of violence.

Over the years I’ve lost two friends to gun violence, which is devastating, because they were both young. On April 4th, 2023 one of my best friends, Avion, a 14 year old middle schooler, was caught in a crossfire at a metro station. He was an innocent bystander. The loss of young kids like Avion is heartbreaking and profoundly tragic. 

In conclusion, for the safety and well-being of our communities, guns should be banned. The devastating impacts of gun violence extend beyond immediate victims, and affect families, neighborhoods, and society at large. By advocating for stricter gun control measures, and promoting mental health resources, we can work towards a safer future. It is crucial to prioritize prevention, education, and community support to create an environment where everyone can thrive without fear. Together, we can build a society that values life and rejects the cycle of violence.

Raven Irving is a freshman at Friendship Collegiate Academy.