In the wake of the recent Florida school shooting, students are fed up with America's overly lax gun control policies. Just since the start of 2018, the United States has had 17 school shootings and it doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon. It is no wonder why students are deciding that enough is enough. The gun debate is a heated one and often we feel like it's not going anywhere.

We aren't satisfied with this though and it's time to put pressure on Congress for stricter regulations.

An estimated 200,000 people attended the March for Our Lives in Washington D.C., with many other marches going on around the country. The march was a step, but there's still a lot yet to be done. That being said, here are five ways to make your voice heard in the gun control debate.

1. Show your support

We are going to have to come together if we want to put an end do this. Turnouts for recent walkouts and marches have helped make the message unavoidable - we have had enough.

2. Text to get updates

Texting ACT to 64433 will connect you with Everytown for updates on the gun control debate and add you to a growing list of gun control advocates.

Texting RESIST to 50409 will connect you to Resistbot which will help you write to your representatives in Congress in under two minutes.

3. Learn more about gun control

Get educated! The best way to decide your position on something is to learn about it. If you've already made up your mind, learn more about your side and be able to back up your arguments. A quick Google search will show you that there's plenty out there to read, but procon.org is a good way to read about both sides in one place.

4. Contact your representatives

After all, they're the ones who actually make the laws. It's going to take a lot of pushing to get them to change anything, so get started! You can find out who your local and federal representatives are here. No need to look up their contact information either, everything you need to get into contact with them is right there.

5. Vote!

Voter turnout is shockingly low for midterm elections and the 18-29 age group often goes extremely underrepresented. The upcoming election is shaping up to be really important and getting young people to vote is going to be critical to reforming gun control.

Anyone over 18 can go here for directions on how to register in your state. If you're currently a minor but will be eligible at the time of the election, go here to find out when you can preregister in your state.

Change is within reach, but we have to take charge. There is much more work to be done.