Giving Compass' Take:

· Although there has been an increasing number of school shootings in recent years, a new ACT survey reports that a majority of students feel "somewhat safe" when going to school. The survey also shows student support for adding mental health services as a preventative measure. 

· What services can schools provide for students to create a safer environment? What type of security should schools have to ensure the safety of their students? 

· Here's how emotional health affects students' feelings of safety in school. 

The idea of providing mental health support in schools is gaining traction at the secondary level, and some of the change is coming from students themselves. Recently, three Virginia high school students sought help from state lawmakers after watching their peers struggle with depression and anxiety. Following the students' initiative, Virginia became one of the first states to require mental health education in K-12 schools.

The new curriculum will be folded into existing instruction and will include age-appropriate lessons that cut stigma around mental health, teach youth how to care for their mental health, and create pathways for students to seek care in the future.

On the other end of the school safety debate is the battle over firearm laws. In light of continued mass shootings, lawmakers have renewed talks on gun legislation but have not agreed on a solid plan to reduce gun violence in schools. Democrats and Republicans are divided over the issue, while laws at the state level vary.

Read the full article about students' feelings about school safety by Shawna De La Rosa at Education Dive.