Final answer:
The actual number of cases where friends were warned is not provided in the student's question, but the context suggests such warnings are common. The topic connects to broader issues of gun control, mental health, and both physical and cyberbullying in schools, with events like Columbine and Sandy Hook as notable examples.
Step-by-step explanation:
The report regarding warnings to friends about school shootings does not provide a specific number for the cases mentioned in the student's question. However, what can be inferred from the context is a concerning pattern where there are often pre-existing signals that a perpetrator of a school shooting might be a threat. A Secret Service report examining school shootings highlighted that it's common for friends or acquaintances to be warned beforehand, suggesting a vital opportunity for intervention. This ties into the broader discourse on issues such as gun control, mental health in young people, and the societal impact of such violence, as exemplified in tragic events like the shootings at Columbine High School and Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The discourse is polarized, with advocates for stricter gun control laws highlighting the correlation between ease of access to guns and the occurrence of mass shootings. In contrast, gun rights advocates maintain that the problem is not related to the accessibility of guns but other factors. This debate has been ongoing, as indicated by President Obama's call for change in gun control laws following the Umpqua Community College shooting in 2015.
Furthermore, the conversation is not limited to physical violence; cyberbullying is also a significant issue, with a report by the National Center for Educational Statistics noting that 17 percent of students have been victims of cyberbullying. Collectively, these concerns emphasize the need for comprehensive approaches to address violence and harassment in schools.