Following the armed attacks in Siverek, Şanlıurfa, which injured 16 people, and in Kahramanmaraş, which killed 9 people and injured 13, individual armament and the societal dimension of violence have once again come to the agenda.
Prof. Aylin Yalçın Sarıbey, a Forensic Sciences expert, pointed out that weapons have become a multi-layered phenomenon carrying not only a security function but also psychological and sociological meanings. She said, “Young people who see characters solving problems with weapons on screen start to prioritize physical force and weapons over communication in conflict management. This increases the risk of peer bullying evolving into armed attacks.”
Prof. Sarıbey noted that easy access to firearms exacerbates the consequences of incidents, stating, “The identification, monitoring, and psychosocial support of children at risk are of great importance.”
Prof. Sarıbey also drew attention to the risk of a “contagious effect” following such incidents, saying, “After such widely publicized events, the likelihood of similar incidents increases, demonstrating a contagious effect. Making them highly visible on social media strengthens the possibility of similar occurrences; therefore, attention should be paid to the language used on social media and in news reporting.”
Following the armed attack at Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Siverek district of Şanlıurfa, which injured 16 people, and the attack at Ayser Çalık Middle School in Onikişubat district of Kahramanmaraş, which killed 9 people and injured 13, attention has once again turned to individual armament and the societal dimensions of violence.
Prof. Aylin Yalçın Sarıbey from the Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Üsküdar University, made important evaluations, pointing out that the incidents are not merely individual but a multi-layered problem.
Three main reasons for acquiring a weapon: Defense, belonging, identity
Prof. Sarıbey stated that individuals' motivations for acquiring weapons are grouped under three main headings: “People own weapons for three fundamental reasons: defense, cultural belonging, and psychological identity construction. In a defense-oriented approach, individuals perceive a weapon as a last resort due to fear of being a victim of crime and a sense of inadequate security. Sociologically, a weapon is a means of socialization that provides a sense of belonging to subcultures like family traditions, hunting, or shooting. Psychological studies emphasize that a weapon restores a lost sense of control to the individual and functions as a symbol of masculine power.”
“Weapon effect” can trigger aggression
Prof. Sarıbey stated that in some societies, weapon ownership also carries a political meaning, adding, “A weapon can also be adopted with the meaning of protecting individual freedom and civil rights against the state. However, the 'Weapon Effect' theory highlights that the mere presence of a weapon, even for protection, can trigger aggressive impulses. In summary, a weapon is not just a tool; it represents both a concrete search for security and an abstract definition of power and identity. These motivations are directly related to the individual's socio-economic environment and legal regulations. Ultimately, the decision to acquire a weapon is a combination of a rational need for protection and deep psychological requirements.”
Digital content weakens young people's risk perception
Prof. Sarıbey also drew attention to the influence of media and digital content, stating, “The presentation of weapons as an aesthetic element through films, TV series, video games, and social media, where the most successful, most just, and most powerful characters use weapons, dulls young people's risk perception. Young people who see characters solving problems with weapons on screen start to prioritize physical force and weapons over communication in conflict management. This increases the risk of peer bullying evolving into armed attacks.”
Violence is becoming a part of daily life
Prof. Sarıbey pointed out that violence is becoming commonplace, stating, “Constant exposure to violence and crime content desensitizes individuals to violence and causes it to be seen as an ordinary solution method. Previously, firearm-related killing and injury incidents were based on enmity or honor; now, they have been reduced to matters like a traffic dispute or a social media spat.”
Perception of insecurity increases individual armament
Prof. Aylin Yalçın Sarıbey stated that the perception of insecurity brought by modern life also triggers individual armament, saying, “Uncertainties in urban life, the perceived increase in crime rates, and distrust in the deterrent effect of penalties push individuals to think about providing their own security. At this point, a weapon offers an artificial sense of control. Especially in patriarchal societies, a weapon is seen as a symbol of authority and status, and with the influence of social media, it transforms into a tool for identity construction.”
Easy access to weapons exacerbates consequences
Prof. Sarıbey, noting that easy access to firearms exacerbates the consequences of incidents, listed the proposed solutions as follows:
“To limit access to firearms, inspections and monitoring must be increased to prevent their procurement, and existing weapons must be surrendered through amnesty and incentive systems to remove them from circulation. The identification, monitoring, and psychosocial support of children at risk are of great importance. The penalty for carrying an unlicensed weapon should be made severe enough not to be subject to postponement, and individuals who own licensed weapons should be mandated to take all measures to make access to the weapon difficult.”
Inspection, education, and psychosocial support are essential
Emphasizing the importance of early detection of children in the risk group, Prof. Sarıbey stated, “Mandatory programs on anger management and conflict resolution skills should be periodically implemented in schools and guidance and support units. Increased oversight of productions that glorify weapon use and avoidance of language that normalizes societal violence should be strictly monitored.”
“Contagious effect” warning: News language plays a critical role
Prof. Sarıbey also drew attention to the risk of a “contagious effect” following such incidents, concluding her words by saying, “After such widely publicized events, the likelihood of similar incidents increases, demonstrating a contagious effect. Making them highly visible on social media strengthens the possibility of similar occurrences; therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the language used on social media and in news reporting, and to effectively operate psychological support mechanisms. Our children are our future; it should not be forgotten that it is the responsibility of the entire society for each of them to be healthy, happy, and peaceful individuals.”
