A new PSA urges families and educators to improve their detection of warning signs that could potentially prevent another mass shooting in the U.S.
The video was released by Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit that was co-founded by parents of two students killed in the 2012 shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Entitled "Tomorrow's News," it depicts a news broadcaster interviewing kids, parents and police about a mass shooting that will occur tomorrow.
"I thought it was an effective video," said Dr. David Barlow, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Boston University.
Over the years, Barlow said more and more research has been conducted on the prevalence of shootings in the U.S. and the public's response to them.
"We are programmed in a very healthy way to move beyond trauma, to get past it," Barlow explained. "The unfortunate side of that equation is it involves forgetting."
In recent years, Barlow said the number of shootings has left many feeling desensitized to the problem, which in turn means little action is taken to prevent them.
"It's extraordinarily frustrating," Barlow said. "It does not allow us to keep these things in mind sufficiently."
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Thursday marks the fifth anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings, in which 20 children and six adults were killed.
"'Tomorrow's News' continues the conversation about the importance of knowing the signs of someone at risk and taking action," said Mark Barden, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise. "The work of Sandy Hook Promise focuses on preventing gun violence before it starts. 'Tomorrow's News' is a powerful reminder that everyone can prevent a tragedy when they know the signs."
