Shootings in the Bronx are up almost 50% from this time last year. That's why a panel of students and community leaders came together to discuss ways to stop violence before it starts.

Students shared how violence has impacted their lives and ideas on how to end it. The principal of Academy for Scholarship and Entrepreneurship says the idea for today’s summit actually came from the students themselves after they noticed more violence than usual in the school community. Local leaders, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, came to support the event.

The school says today’s panel is just the kickoff to a plan to reduce community violence. They also plan to increase emotional support services for students in school and to pair students up with mentors who can act as positive role models.

They say the COVID pandemic has had a major impact on students' mental health, which could be leading some young people to act out.

Students were signing a peace pledge, promising to do their part in ending violence.