Part III

Impacts immediately following Columbine shootings

  • "Copy cats" became an immediate fear throughout families and attendees of high schools around the nation
  • Schools around the country began doing psychological evaluation on students who were considered "at risk"
  • Kids stopped wanting to go to school
  • Homeschooling grew in popularity
  • Many high schools stopped allowing bags and backpacks to be carried
  • Students weren't allowed to wear coats or clothing that could conceal weapons
  • Police officers were stationed in and outside of school premises
  • College and high school campuses were no longer considered safe
  • Schools were under direct criticism from family and government
  • Smaller school shootings and acts of violence began happening all over the country

Impacts in the 10 years following the Columbine shootings



  • K-Mart stopped selling all bullets and gun accessories
  • Schools increased security by adding metal detectors at entrances 
  • Many schools switched to uniforms to enforce equality
  • Certain hair styles and jewelry that were considered "abnormal" were outlawed in schools
  • Students weren't allowed to bring anything that could be considered a weapon into school
  • Bullying problems were addressed, and things such as hazing were eliminated
  • Harsher punishments were given to students violating safety codes
  • Schools were forced to establish and practice "intruder" or "lockdown" drills 
  • Students were forced to wear ID badges during school hours
  • All doors and entrances to schools are now locked during school hours
  • Children not allowed to wear, draw, promote, or inform others about things involving guns, knives or violence
  • Students required to take courses that inform them about ways to help themselves or others that show "at risk behavior"

    By Delaney Sullivan