Violence among teens has gotten worse over the years. According to the website Everytown Research & Policy approximately 3 million teenagers died from gun violence last year. There are more teenagers picking up guns and killing one another than adults.
This is not something that has just happened in other areas, it has been going on for decades in the Alton region too. On Jan 1 there was another death that took place in Alton. The teens name was Jaiden Dahl.
He died from a gunshot wound to the chest. Him and his friends were playing with the gun and Jaiden caught a bullet to the chest for it. He was only 17 years old with a lot of life to live and a bright future. “ Guns are not toys and as long as we let our children think as such, this will continue to happen,” said Ariel Stewart.
This death has hurt many in the community as well as others. “Jaiden didn’t deserve that. We protected and looked out for each other. I loved him like he was my brother,” said Hassani Elliot. It’s very unfortunate that Jaiden had to lose his life because guns are not being taken seriously.
There needs to be a change in the community. “ Jaiden was my heart, he was my best friend. He looked out and took care of everyone. If guns were being taken more seriously then this probably would have never happened. I just want my best friend back,” said Tariah Anthony.
Readers can read and see how much this has affected members in the community. How many more teenagers have to die from gun violence for it to be taken seriously? If there is not a solution to this soon then, it’s only going to get worse.
