In light of recent events, including the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School and at a Texas community college, President Obama wants new policy on gun control. As reasonable Americans, no, as reasonable human beings, we must realize the potential this policy has to make schools safer and to prevent catastrophe nationwide.

It is obvious that banning assault weapons (guns possessing certain military-type features), limiting ammo capacity and establishing a national registration for guns are the first steps in the right direction to making our country safer. Obama has suggested banning assault weapons, which is logical because guns are generally used for the sport of hunting or protecting yourself, and assault weapons are not necessary for either. Civilians should not be trusted with weapons of this deadly magnitude, as made clear by recent events. Their first purpose was for the military, so they should stay in trained, professional hands.

Also included in the suggested gun control policy is limiting the capacity of the magazine to 10 rounds. Logically, fewer bullets means fewer people being injured or killed at a time, and more frequent opportunities to stop the shooter as they change magazines.

Obama also promotes establishing a national registry for guns. This would let government agencies such as the FBI know who has what gun and could be useful in crime scene investigations. It would be no different from registering your car, which you do in order to keep track of and protect it from falling in to the wrong hands. Wouldn’t you want to similarly protect your weapons? This, in conjunction with stricter background checks, would make it more difficult for those who could potentially pose a threat to obtain a gun.

All of these efforts can trickle down in the school system and protect young citizens from future attacks. Schools can consider how to strengthen security further. For example, getting armed and trained security guards in every school could prove useful in the event of an attack. They would already be in the building, as opposed to having to call in the police, which would mean they could respond immediately, potentially saving many lives. Students might feel safer knowing that there is this added protection.

The incorporation of firearms into the school day may not be the easiest choice to enact from the start, so it might be more ideal to work on better security and screening techniques. Schools should make entering the building more difficult and available to only a select few. This could be achieved by increasing the number of security guards, especially in elementary schools, where there currently aren’t any, and better incorporating the use of a buzzer system, so that all doors are locked and administrators must approve everyone who enters the building.

Obama is heading in the right direction to make communities and schools safer for everyone. And despite potential disagreements, history has proven that we sometimes have to sacrifice some of our rights for the greater good. As Americans and as people, we have to make this sacrifice to save as many lives as we can.