A near miss at Skyline High School puts Colorado’s long shadow back in the spotlight and forces us to ask tougher questions about what truly keeps students safe. We walk through what happened, why “this time” isn’t enough, and how a quarter-century of tragedies and scares—from Columbine to STEM—reveals patterns that policies alone haven’t fixed. Then we pivot to what often gets overlooked: the daily emotional world of kids, the toll of bullying on mental health, and the cultural conditions that let cruelty and despair take root.

We share a clear path forward built on connection, not just compliance. You’ll hear why a trusted adult for every student can be a game changer, how consistent anti-bullying enforcement and restorative practices rebuild trust, and where mental health resources—counselors, peer supports, telehealth, and simple reporting tools—create early, lifesaving intervention. We talk about safe storage, digital citizenship, advisory periods, and how schools can partner with families and local clinics to expand care without burning out staff.

This conversation is about community responsibility as much as it is about school safety. Parents, educators, coaches, neighbors, and lawmakers each hold a piece of the solution—teaching empathy, funding services, enforcing safe norms, and amplifying student voice. If you’re ready to move beyond headlines and drills toward practical, humane changes that make hallways feel safe again, you’re in the right place.

If this resonates, subscribe, share the show with someone who cares about kids’ wellbeing, and leave a review with one action your community can take this month. Your voice helps build the culture where every child feels seen, supported, and safe.

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