Beginning in the 1990s, the United States experienced a moral panic over school shootings, fueled by increased media coverage of cases such as Columbine (1999). The panic led to calls for stricter gun control, increased security measures in schools, and the stigmatization of students perceived as potential threats. The school shooting panic reflects deep-seated anxieties about violence, mental health, and the safety of children in American society.

The school shooting panic has been a central theme in contemporary literature, inspiring poets and writers to explore the dynamics of fear, violence, and the loss of innocence. The event has been the subject of numerous works that critique the culture of fear and the role of media in shaping public perception. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral panic and the importance of addressing the root causes of violence.