Final answer:
True, less than 2% of homicides of school-age youth occur at school, as most violence occurs outside school. Discussions about gun control and easy access to firearms are part of the debate on school safety. Bullying and cyberbullying are also prevalent issues that affect student health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that less than 2% of homicides of school-age youth occur at school is indeed true. While significant events such as the Columbine shooting and the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut draw a lot of media attention and public concern, these events are, while tragic, not representative of the most common risks that school-age children face. Much of the violence involving school-age youth tends to occur outside of school premises, and factors such as bullying and cyberbullying are also significant concerns within the school environment.
Furthermore, discussions about access to firearms and gun control are ongoing, with differing opinions on whether the availability of guns is the primary factor in school shootings. These debates continue as communities and lawmakers search for effective solutions to prevent such tragedies.
Another element affecting the well-being of students is bullying. High percentages of students report experiencing bullying or cyberbullying, influencing the overall safety and health of the school environment. This shows that threats to student welfare are multifaceted, involving not just physical violence but also psychological and emotional harm.