Cici Hicks

Protest signs calling for increased gun control.

Guns are the leading cause of death in kids ages 1 to 17, above car crashes and cancer. Yet it is the only cause of death in this lineup that is completely avoidable and controllable.

Like most teenagers, I dream about my future—college, careers, and adventures. But lately, I’ve found myself worrying more about my safety than my dreams. Here in the United States, we’ve seen far too many headlines about school shootings and gun violence. It’s terrifying to think that the place where I’m supposed to learn and grow could become a crime scene. This is why I believe we need stronger gun control laws.

To clear up any misconceptions early, I am not saying that guns should be taken away altogether. I am saying that the current regulations on guns are not enough, and as a high school student, I am saying that when I come into school I am scared for my life. When I walk into a store, I am scared for my life. I am afraid that anyone could be carrying; anyone could come in at any time and do awful things. 

For example, in August of this year, a triple shooting outside of the courthouse left two women dead. Erica Riley and her mother Janet Riley were two women who had children, children they should still be here with. You can say guns don’t kill people, but these two women would still be here today if their murderer didn’t have access to the weapon he used.

One of the biggest issues with gun violence is the lack of comprehensive background checks. How can we feel safe when there are loopholes that allow dangerous individuals to buy firearms without proper screening? It’s not about taking away everyone’s guns; it’s about making sure that the wrong people don’t have access to them. We need laws that close these loopholes and ensure thorough background checks for all gun purchases.

According to Bryant Law Center, “Kentucky allows open carry of firearms including shotguns, rifles, and handguns… You are not legally required to register your firearms and do not need a license to carry shotguns or rifles.”

Instead, this law should require mandatory waiting periods before buying a gun. These periods could prevent impulsive acts of violence and give authorities more time to conduct background checks. I’m not saying these measures will stop all gun violence, but they can certainly reduce it. Even one life saved is worth it.

Some may say that adding laws for gun control isn’t even worth it. Drugs are illegal, but dealers still have access to and sell them, how would this be any different? However, we don’t have to look far to see how effective gun control can be. Countries like Australia and Japan have implemented strict gun laws and have seen significant drops in gun-related deaths. If they can do it, why can’t we? It’s time we put the rights of people over the rights of owning a gun.

As a teenager, I don’t have the power to vote yet, but I still have a voice. I’m calling on lawmakers, parents, and everyone who cares about the safety of our children to push for stronger gun control laws. As a nation, we need to put more emphasis on protecting the lives of children over the protection of gun ownership. 

All in all, gun control isn’t about stripping away rights; it’s about creating a safer environment for everyone. We can have responsible gun ownership while implementing laws that protect us from unnecessary harm. As a daughter, a sister, a student, and a child, I’m asking for a future where my friends and I can live without the shadow of gun violence looming over us. It’s time for a change, and it starts with all of us speaking up. This means more than “thoughts and prayers.” We need real action and real change.