Almost all of the threats in our schools, like in Parkland Florida, are internal, not external. Adding school resource officers, metal detectors, and interior design modifications are all valid and real solutions for protection.

As we are debating and looking at school safety options, we need to dig deeper into the underlying issues that aren’t being adequately addressed — namely, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

ACEs are stressful or even traumatic experiences that disrupt the safe, nurturing relationships and environments that students need to thrive. 

In Tennessee, the most common adverse experiences are parental separation or divorce, a substance abusing household, or verbal abuse.

To continue reading this oped by Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, go to: https://www.tennessean.com/sto...-our-help/528036002/