10 Ways to Prevent Violent Tragedies in America
- Dr. Mark Lerner
- Dec 14, 2025
- 3 min read
An AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness Approach
By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Principal Consultant & Creator, AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness
There's no single solution to decrease the prevalence of violence in our nation's schools, universities, houses of worship, movie theaters, shopping malls, workplaces, and in our communities. However, a coordinated, evidence-based, multimodal approach—incorporating AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW)—can reduce the frequency and severity of violent acts.
The following ten strategies reflect that approach and are strengthened by the principles of AIEW—the ethical and responsible integration of AI’s cognitive capabilities with the irreplaceable power of genuine human connection.
1. Make Prevention a National Priority
Prevention begins with awareness. People should learn about the indicators of potential violence and be instructed on whom to share information. In nearly every violent attack, someone knew something to suggest the realization of violence. We must teach others to Err on the Side of Caution (ESC)—and save lives.
2. Encourage Reporting
The media and law enforcement agencies should encourage people to report concerns about potential violent acts and take every report seriously. Investigators should do their due diligence and always Err on the side of caution to avert a tragedy. The single most significant predictor of violent behavior is past violent behavior. AIEW ensures that data-driven insights are paired with professional human experience, empathy, and ethical decision-making.
3. Expand Mental Health Services Using AIEW Principles
Mental health facilities and community-based programs must be expanded for individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. While most people with mental health challenges are not violent, those at risk can benefit from early intervention, emotional-regulation strategies, and human support. AI can increase access to screening tools, psychoeducation, and coping strategies. However, treatment and stabilization require human engagement, clinical judgment, and continuity of care.
4. Address Aggression, Depression, and Suicide
Depression is the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide, and suicide is now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. There is a well-established correlation between suicide and homicide; many perpetrators of violent acts ultimately take their own lives or die during the event. AIEW-informed programs can provide real-time access to coping tools, but human presence is essential when individuals decompensate—evidencing an increase in concerning symptoms and descrease in functioning. Addressing anger and aggressivity must include both technological support and direct human intervention.
5. Restore Face-to-Face Human Connection in Our Increasingly Digital World
As technology increases, we must recognized the irreplaceable importance of genuine, authentic interpersonal communication. People of all ages must be taught social skills, empathy, and assertiveness—skills learned best through direct human interaction, not computer screens.
6. Stop Glorifying Perpetrators in the Media
Media outlets must stop broadcasting the names and images of perpetrators. Social media, streaming platforms, and 24-hour news—has created an indelible "stage" upon which disturbed individuals perform. Focusing inordinate attention on perpetrators and their actions increases the frequency of violent threats and acts. We must turn off the spotlight and stop glorifying and reinforcing maleficent conduct.
7. Protect Soft Targets with Experienced Human Presence
We must utilize our greatest resources to protect “soft targets,” such as our nation’s schools and universities. Consideration must be given to employing retired law enforcement personnel and our veterans who have demonstrated exemplary performance and are well-trained and experienced in firearms. AI can assist us with risk assessment, staffing optimization, and situational awareness, but human protectors—trained, vetted, and emotionally stable—remain the the best frontline safeguard.
8. Do Not Burden Educators with Armed Roles
Teachers and school personnel are educators—not armed responders. Their knowledge, education, skill, experience, and training are in teaching, mentoring, and supporting our children. Educators have overwhelming responsibilities and should not be placed in situations where they are called upon to draw a weapon and make a choice to use deadly force.
9. Implement Responsible Firearm Safeguards
While it's virtually impossible to eliminate every assault rifle, there are certainly reasonable and responsible mechanisms that could be put into place to prevent these weapons from getting into the hands of the wrong people. This could be implemented by considering variables such as age to purchase and own, and enhanced background checks, including a waiting/processing period.
10. Emotional Wellness Must Become a National Priority
There is considerable focus today on wellness: preventing illness, keeping people healthy, and improving the quality of life. Greater attention must be given to a key component of wellness that is often overlooked: Emotional wellness—an awareness, understanding, and acceptance of our feelings and our ability to manage effectively through challenges and change. It’s time to foster Emotional Wellness in America. AI can provide accessible coping tools and education—but it cannot offer compassion, presence, or the warmth of interpersonal human connection.