Should you buy your children bulletproof vests? The simple answer is yes. With the rise of school shootings and gun violence, being proactive about protecting the life of your child can offer peace of mind and potentially prevent tragedy.
However, purchasing a bulletproof vest to protect your child is a serious decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. In short, you need to examine the various options, weigh the pros and cons, and have an open conversation with your child to make a well-informed choice that puts their safety and health first. And if you're still not convinced, read on.
School-Related Fatalities and Injuries from Mass Shootings
Parents are becoming increasingly worried about their children in this turbulent world. Tragic headlines such as: "17-year-old student dies after being shot multiple times at Seattle's Garfield High School", and "Sixth Grader Killed and 5 Others Injured in Iowa School Shooting." are frequent reminders that such incidents persistently occur and that kids need protection.
According to CNN research as of April 18, there have been a total of 18 school shootings, in the United States. Four incidents occurred on college campuses while 14 occurred on K 12 school premises. Nine individuals tragically lost their lives, while another 25 sustained injuries.
Aside from fatalities, many more young children survive gunshot injuries or are otherwise affected by gun violence. Oronde McClain was struck by a stray bullet on a Philadelphia street corner when he was only 10. McClain, now 33, continues to experience partial paralysis on his right side. He also has seizures and post-traumatic stress disorder. Like many other firearm injury survivors, he feels he is a forgotten victim of the nation’s gun violence epidemic.
But gun-related violence doesn't just happen in schools; it also occurs in other public areas, like parks, restaurants, shopping malls, and churches. Because of this, a bullet-resistant vest may be the ultimate way to keep kids safe. They give children an extra layer of bulletproof protection, which could be vital to their survival.
Protecting Children with Body Armor: Prioritizing Mental Health
Sadly, a growing number of children in American schools are facing the impacts of exposure to violence and shootings. Even though a youngster does not sustain an injury, their education and mental health may be severely impacted for many years.
Understandably, the incident can affect their academic performance, increasing absenteeism and making it difficult for them to concentrate in class. They often don't graduate on time from high school and become subdued throughout the rest of their lives.
Their families, friends, and whole communities also struggle to deal with the aftermath, and for the child, this can evoke further feelings of remorse. It can take years of therapy for them to “bounce back” from the trauma.
Purchasing a Bulletproof Vest for Kids and Teens
Choosing the right vest requires a thorough understanding of the capabilities of different types of ammunition. So, keeping yourself informed will help you to make the proper decision to guarantee your kid's security. Nevertheless, there are other factors to consider:
Appropriate Size and Fit
For the best possible protection, you must ensure the vest is the right size and fits properly. It should fit snugly without being too tight to prevent breathing and movement restrictions. It must cover the essential parts of the body, including the back, abdomen, and chest, and feel comfortable on your child.
The Degree of Protection
Bulletproof vests are rated by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) on a scale of IIA to IV, where IV represents the highest level of protection and IIA represents the lowest. A vest rated IIA or II is usually advised for kids and teenagers because it provides adequate protection for the body against most handgun threats without being unduly bulky or heavy.
Materials
Body armor, such as Kevlar vests, is mainly fashioned from flexible featherweight materials known for their strength, comfort, and resilience. Modern alternatives, however, include vests composed of Dyneema, which is even more robust and lightweight than Kevlar.
A young wearer can easily get the bulletproof vest on during an emergency thanks to the adjustable velcro straps which prevent any shifting during movement. Certain bullet proof vests might have reflective strips for increased visibility or pockets for safety plates.
Pricing
Children's bulletproof vests range in price according to brand, material, and degree of protection. Costs for basic Level IIA or II vests range from $200 to $500, while more sophisticated and lightweight vests can cost up to $1,000 or more. Finding the best value for your money requires considering the vest's durability and long-term effectiveness.
Maintenance
Ensuring the life of the vest and ballistic panels for five to ten years requires keeping the body armor in a clean and dry environment. It might also be a good idea to have at least two protective bulletproof vests - one for washing and one for wearing.
Procedures
Encouraging a child to wear a bullet proof vest will also promote reassurance and peace of mind for everyone. However, although a ballistic vest will safeguard them from serious harm, children must also familiarize themselves with school drill procedures and follow the instructions given by school staff.
Young children will remain much calmer knowing they are shielded by a vest during a critical moment at school and become more capable of understanding and handling emergencies.
Initiating a Conversation Regarding Ballistic Vests
Investing in a bulletproof vest for your child can be a daunting task. However, it's crucial to educate children and help them understand the importance of wearing their body armor in potentially dangerous situations, especially at school.
By striking up an honest and open discussion you will strengthen your bond with your children and encourage them to confide in you and openly share their concerns.
Another way to introduce the subject of security is to mention bulletproof backpacks. Gather all the necessary information about body armor and other life-saving gear before having a chat with your child or teen.
After all, kids might seriously consider taking 'smart' backpacks to school with technology features that will almost certainly help them feel protected from a bullet. The ProtectPanel® Round Top Bulletproof Backpack Insert, for example, fits perfectly in most children’s backpacks giving an extra layer of security against a bullet when it could mean a matter of life or death.
And you never know - once the idea of owning a high-tech schoolbag or vest gets the thumbs up, getting them interested in purchasing a tactical bulletproof vest for kids will be a whizz!
Remember to mention that Backpack Armor does not make you invincible though!
Should School Kids be Required to Wear Body Armor?
In light of the growing anxiety surrounding children and how to protect them at school or in public shouldn't we help them feel confident and protected when they are away from home?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on children wearing bulletproof vests or share personal experiences regarding bulletproof clothing for kids and teens.
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