Jim Lein, Minot

A curious column (Oct. 16) by Rob Port: “Suicide is a bigger threat than shootings for North Dakota’s kids.”

More often than not, a suicide is a shooting. Especially so for males.

We have an overabundance of guns in our society. And kids know how to get at them. Even very young ones who have shot themselves or a sibling with an “empty” gun.

This availability of guns can lead to older kids shooting themselves over some worry or concern that, from their perspective, seems overwhelming and impossible to resolve.

It can also lead to some of these distraught or picked-on kids taking guns to school to settle grievances.

I do agree with Port that we need more counselors for students. One issue that needs ongoing focus, individually and in groups, is bullying and how it is often a factor in school shootings.