Introduction Guns are the most widely used weapons today. The fact that they both cause and prevent violent crimes brings about a serious debate on how to properly regulate their ownership. It is notable that most violent crimes, especially in more developed countries, are committed using firearms. Gun control involves laws and policies aimed at regulating the selling, possession and use of firearms. A number of people opposing gun control believe that it will only provide the criminals with an opportunity to possess guns hence living local citizens at risk (Spitzer 219). Majority of the Americans also feel that they have the right to possess firearms hence the issue of gun control will only be against their constitutional rights. Conversely, it is important to appreciate that gun control will have a greater benefit, especially to the college students who have recently experienced a spate of killings. Importance of gun control Considering the spate of mass killings in various learning institutions, especially in America, it is important to note that gun control will be the only viable solution to the problem. The idea that gun control will only provide the criminals with an opportunity to possess guns hence living local citizens at risk is not true. This is because criminals have possessed guns even before the introduction of gun control. Therefore, gun control will reduce the number of criminals bearing arms. It will also reduce the rate of killings or criminal activities. America is the country which has experienced many school shootings over the last years (Valdez 126). This clearly explains why the country has been in the forefront in the fight against illegal possession of firearms. Currently, there is a debate on gun control where majority of the Americans have boldly come out in its support. The issue of gun control should also be extended to the learning institutions where students should not be allowed to possess guns. Over the past years, there have been a number of reports about students killing each other. Consequently, this problem would only be solved through controlling the use or possession of firearms. Those individuals who believe that it is their constitutional right to possess guns are not realistic. It is almost impossible to imagine that every individual in a society can possess one or more firearms as this will only increase the rate of criminal activities and killings. Therefore, such claims are generally not genuine, but based largely on self- interest. Recent report by the small arms survey indicates that the majority of firearms in the world are owned by civilians both legally and illegally. The United States tops the list with private ownership as high as 88.8 %, while some countries like South Korea have about 1%. With continuous manufacture and limited destruction of the firearms, the figure is on the rise. Gun control is aimed at improving public safety by enacting effective laws and policies. Since many developed countries believe in democracy, their governments always consider public opinion when making their decisions. However, gun control has been a highly controversial subject. The increased rate of killings in the learning institutions have been linked with high number of students currently possessing firearms. Additionally, it has also been connected with th