It only takes one bullet, one click, or one overlooked cry for help to change a life forever.

That’s the sobering truth driving Wake County Public Schools to host a crucial event for families: "Parent Safety Night"—a powerful community effort dedicated to protecting children from three modern threats—gun violence, internet predators, and mental health crises. The event will take place on Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Garner Magnet High School, located at 2101 Spring Drive.

As schools nationwide face mounting safety concerns, Wake County is stepping up with a hands-on approach. Families attending the event can expect more than just information—they’ll receive free gun locks, connect with safety experts, and hear firsthand from top state officials committed to creating safer school environments.

A Statewide Gun Problem Hits Too Close to Home

The timing of the event is chilling. Just days ago, bullets were discovered inside a Raleigh elementary school cafeteria. Already in 2025, loaded firearms have been recovered at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School and Enloe High School. According to William Lassiter, Deputy Secretary of the NC Department of Public Safety, 83 guns were brought onto school campuses across the state in 2024 alone. And here’s the gut punch—75% of those guns came from the students’ own homes.

"We want to prevent that from happening,” Lassiter said. “This is about giving parents the tools to secure their homes and protect their kids.”

NC S.A.F.E., one of the event’s partners, will provide resources and free gun safety kits, part of a statewide initiative to eliminate preventable tragedies.

Social Media: The New Playground of Predators

But bullets aren’t the only danger creeping into children’s lives. Online predators are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to lure vulnerable teens. Just this February, two separate Amber Alerts were issued for 15-year-old girls who met adult men online. Thankfully, both were found. But the emotional scars—and the threat—remain.

“We’ve seen an uptick in sex trafficking incidents and online scams targeting youth,” Lassiter added. “Parents need to be vigilant.”

The event will also tackle questions like:

• How do I know if my child is being manipulated online?
  
  
• What apps should I be worried about?
  
  
• How can I talk to my child about digital safety without losing their trust?
  
  

When the Signs Are Silent: Recognizing Mental Health Struggles

The third pillar of the event is mental health, a topic too often whispered about, yet central to so many tragedies. With rising youth depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, experts will help parents identify subtle signs of distress and provide resources to support their children before it’s too late.

Voices of Change: A Unified Front

Two safety presentations will be held at 6:30 p.m. and 7:05 p.m., featuring key figures like Kendrick Scott, Senior Director of Security for Wake County Public Schools, and Jeff Jackson, North Carolina’s Attorney General. Wake County Superintendent Robert Taylor, local PTA leaders, and Garner Police will also lend their voices.

On Thursday, many of these same leaders will continue the conversation at a news conference spotlighting the NC S.A.F.E. program and its growing impact.

From Tragedy to Advocacy

The importance of this night echoes themes from WRAL’s 2024 documentary "Unsafe: North Carolina Kids Dying from Gun Violence." It tells the devastating story of 8-year-old Jenesis Dockery, who was shot and killed by an 11-year-old with access to a firearm—just four days before her ninth birthday.

Her story is a painful reminder: inaction is deadly.

Taking Action: What Parents Can Do Now

Parents who can’t attend the event can still make a difference. Free gun locks and safety kits are available through Project Child Safe and Durham County’s Gun Safety Program, which also hosts regular outreach events.

For those concerned about digital safety or emotional wellness, the school system urges you to start conversations early, stay engaged in your child’s online world, and never ignore behavioral changes.

This isn’t just another school event. It’s a call to action—because when it comes to our kids’ safety, silence and delay are no longer options.

Let’s make home the safest place for every child.