I am raising my daughter Alana here in the San Fernando Valley. When I think about school safety, I think about her walking into a classroom for the first time.

Families in our district all want the same thing; no matter where your child goes to school - public, private, or charter - you want to know they are safe.

School safety is more than well-painted crosswalks.

Our kids are forced to grow up with active shooter drills as routine. They face cyberbullying that follows them home. Social media keeps them up at night. Anxiety and depression are rising, and parents and teachers feel it.

We cannot treat this as normal.

Every school in this district should have trained mental health counselors on campus during the school day. Not just a number to call after a crisis. Support must come early.

Schools need clear safety plans that parents understand and trust. Anonymous tip lines and threat assessment teams have stopped violence before it happens. Federal funding should focus on strategies that are proven to ensure school safety.

Social media companies should not be allowed to profit from products that harm children. If their platforms expose kids to harassment and damaging content, there must be real accountability.

This is about responsibility. It is about doing the work before tragedy forces our hand.

When Alana starts school, I want to know we built a system that protects every child in this district. That is the commitment I will bring to Congress.