June 25, 2024 - Harrisburg, PA
Attorney General Michelle Henry has issued a 'teenTALK' report on the impacts of gun violence on teenagers, following her recent roundtable discussions with students at several districts across the Commonwealth. Attorney General Henry visited four school districts during the 2023-24 school year - Philadelphia, McKeesport, Hazelton, and Steelton-Highspire - for candid conversations with students about how gun violence impacts their mental health and what changes could make them feel safer. The 'teenTALK' report is being offered to Pennsylvania schools and communities as a tool to help advance initiatives and strategies that promote student learning, safety, and community involvement."This report captures the lessons we learned from honest discussions with future leaders who want to see change and want to have a role in making those changes realities in their neighborhoods," Attorney General Henry said. "Until every student can grow up free from the scourge of gun violence, we must continue to identify and root out damaging behaviors while offering support resources to help students thrive." During the roundtable sessions, students shared how they experience and perceive gun violence and other acts of violence in their communities. Some students talked about their lived experiences of losing family members and other loved ones, and many expressed frustration with having to adapt to gun violence as a too-common occurrence in their lives.Speakers include:Michelle Henry, PA Attorney General