Children campaigning for gun control in the wake of the Florida school shooting have “more moral clarity than the entire United States House of Representatives”, a senator has said.

Teens caught up in last week’s attack, which left 14 students and three staff members dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, are waging a campaign to change gun laws, saying “it’s time for victims to be the change” if adults will not act.

They plan a nationwide “March for our Lives” and say they feel “neglected” by adults, criticising politicians on both sides of the aisle who have taken donations from the National Rifle Association (NRA).

“If all our government and President can do is send thoughts and prayers, then it’s time for victims to be the change that we need to see”, said student, Emma Gonzales, at a weekend rally.

Some pupils have vowed not to return to classes until new legislation is passed, The Washington Post reported.

A Democratic Hawaii senator, Brian Schatz, praised the teenagers speaking out and tweeted: “These kids have more moral clarity than the entire United States House of Representatives.

“We passed laws and rules to make cars safer and fewer people die now. Laws can work if you write them correctly.”

The students have said their campaign is not directed specifically at either Republicans or Democrats.

Cameron Kasky, 17, said: ”Any politician on either side who is taking money from the NRA is responsible for events like this.”

One student, 15-year-old Anthony Borges, has won praise for shielding his classmates from bullets as they fled the gunman.

A witness said Anthony was the last of a group of 20 to enter a classroom in a bid to hide when, as he tried to lock the door, he was shot five times but did not move out of the way.

Broward County Sheriff's Office said the teen was recovering in hospital but faced a number of operations.

Florida shooting – in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Florida shooting – in pictures Florida shooting – in pictures Police arrest a suspect in connection with the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida Reuters Florida shooting – in pictures Parents wait for news after reports of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida AP Florida shooting – in pictures Anxious family members wait for news of students AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee Florida shooting – in pictures Students being evacuated from the school AP Florida shooting – in pictures Students being evacuated from the school Getty Florida shooting – in pictures People gather waiting for word from students AP Florida shooting – in pictures Parents waiting for news on their children AP Florida shooting – in pictures People gather at a hotel where students were taken after the shooting Getty Florida shooting – in pictures Florida Governor Rick Scott speaks to the media as he visits Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School following the shooting AFP/Getty Florida shooting – in pictures Dr. Igor Nichiporenko, Medical Director Trauma, left, and Dr. Evan Boyer, Medical Director, Emergency Services, speak about treating victims and the suspect at a press conference outside Broward Health North hospital AP

A number of young people have criticised Donald Trump’s response to the killing.

On Sunday, the President tweeted: “Very sad that the FBI missed all of the many signals sent out by the Florida school shooter. This is not acceptable. They are spending too much time trying to prove Russian collusion with the Trump campaign – there is no collusion. Get back to the basics and make us all proud!”

In response Kyra Parrow, a senior at Stoneman Douglas, said: “My friends were brutally murdered and you have the nerve to make this about Russia. I cannot believe this.”

Aly Sheehy tweeted: “17 of my classmates are gone. That’s 17 futures, 17 children, and 17 friends stolen. But you’re right, it always has to be about you.” She later urged a follower: “Don’t let this die down. We will be the change, but we need the help of you all.”

Florida shooting: Grieving mother demands Trump acts to stop guns getting into the hands of children

Students also planned a demonstration in Tallahassee, Florida’s capital, on Wednesday to call attention to gun control, mental health issues and school safety.

On the same day Mr Trump is due to host a “listening session” with high school students and teachers, a week on from the killing to which, police say, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz has confessed.