After dozens of school shootings, students all over the country are protesting for stricter gun laws by walking out of their schools.

However, there is reason to be wary of these demonstrations.

The common concern amongst faculty, in schools where a walk-out seems imminent, is that the protest will be a disorganized commotion and unsafe for students.

A large gathering of children is what attracted the shootings in the first place.

To remedy this, many schools are turning to alternatives, hoping to still give students the means to express themselves without exposing them to danger.

In fact, in an interview conducted by Beaufort County Publications: The Island Packet, First Amendment Coalition executive director David Snyder suggested schools provide an alternative safe space for students to protest, such as a gym.

Other alternative demonstrations include:

• Utilizing campus free speech areas during lunch or after school

• Coordinating rallies

• Working with Student Advisory Board members to develop new kindness efforts

• Developing writing projects to share concerns with local, state and national elected officials

• Providing time in selected classes for students to discuss the issue

(Suggested by Fresno Unified School District)

Regardless of means of protest what is most important is ensuring the safety of the children involved.