Sandy Hook Promise Releases Powerful Back-To-School Message

The folks at the Sandy Hook Promise have just released a new back to school video, hoping to bring more awareness focusing on early identification, action and intervention when it comes to school shootings.

The new video, just released on Tuesday, already has over 1.4 million YouTube views and depicts students using their new back to school supplies, while in the midst of a mock school shooting. Survive the school year with these must-have back to school essentials is the premise that takes a wild turn.

As you watch the video, it'll take you from the hope and anticipation of a new school year to the frighting reality of this horrific new normal, and the stress that students face on a daily basis.

WARNING: This PSA contains graphic content related to school shootings that may be upsetting to some viewers.

Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization based in Newtown, and is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

Mark Barden, a co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise, and the father of a first-grader who was slain in the 2012 massacre, told newstimes.com what this latest PSA is trying to accomplish:

The point of the PSA was to shock people into action who have grown apathetic to mass shootings. The idea originated from the horrible reality that people are selling bullet-proof backpacks as school supplies, which is just insane, so we turned that message on its head. The hope is more people will learn about our Know the Signs programs, which teach the warning signs of violence and self harm, and recommend ways to intervene. So far this year there have been over 22 school shootings, and with students heading back to school, it seems sadly probable that we will see more incidents. This is unacceptable, given that we have proven tools to prevent these acts from occurring.

“Back-to-School Essentials” will be Sandy Hook Promise's biggest campaign to date. In conjunction with the PSA, Sandy Hook Promise also provides a downloadable brochure that highlights many of the warning signs to help students and adults recognize them when seen. This Know the Signs brochure is available at SandyHookPromise.org.