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School ViolenceIn the last few years, a great deal of media attention has been focused on school shootings. This has led many teens to become concerned about their own safety, wondering whether such tragic violence could happen in their schools. However, in terms of risk for homicide, schools are about the safest place for teens-safer than their homes or their neighborhoods-and violent deaths at schools or school events are extremely rare. Less than 1% of the murders of children and teens in the United States are school-related, and there is no evidence that school-related homicides are on the rise. You are much more likely to be struck by lightening than to be killed at your school. In the 1998-99 school year, a total of 34 children and teens were murdered on school property, at a school event, or on their way to and from school.1 Although incidents like the one in Littleton, Colorado, tend to get all the attention, if you've ever been ruthlessly teased, laughed at, shoved around, or bullied at school, you know there's more to violence in school than mass shootings. In fact, school violence includes a range of activities, including bullying, threatening remarks, physical fights, assaults with or without weapons, and gang violence.
How serious is the problem of school violence?In a 1999 national survey of high school students:2
Additionally, students tell us that bullying continues to be a serious problem, particularly in middle schools. In 1999, about 10% of students in grades 6 and 7 reported being bullied, compared with about 5% of students in grades 8 and 9 and about 2% in grades 10 through 12.3 Are schools becoming safer?In the last few years, violent crimes at school have declined, and fewer students are carrying weapons to school or getting into fights. Between 1993 and 1999, the number of students reporting carrying a weapon to school in the previous month dropped by over 40%. The number of students who reported being involved in a physical fight on school property during the past year dropped by over 12%.4 As a result, many students are beginning to feel safer. Between 1995 and 1999, the number of students who avoided one or more places at school out of fear for their safety decreased by over 40%.5 Students were also much less likely to fear being attacked or harmed at school or while traveling to and from school.6 It is important to remember, however, that some schools are much safer than others. For a few schools, serious violent crime continues to be a very real problem. What you can do about school violenceStart with yourself.Make a commitment not to contribute to violence in any way. Do not bully, tease, or spread negative gossip about others. Respect others and value differences. Try to broaden your social circle to include others who are different from you. Learn about ways to resolve arguments and fights without violence, and encourage your friends to do the same. Many schools, churches, and after-school programs offer training in conflict resolution skills. Do not carry a gun.Teens sometimes carry guns because they are afraid, but carrying a gun will not make you safer. Guns often escalate conflicts and increase the chances that you will be seriously harmed. You also run the risk that the gun may be turned on you or that an innocent person will be hurt. And, you may do something in a moment of fear or anger that you will regret for the rest of your life. Finally, it is illegal for a teen to carry a handgun, and it can lead to criminal charges and arrest. How can you protect yourself without a gun? If someone is threatening you and you feel that you are in serious danger, do not take matters into your own hands. Find an adult you can trust and discuss your fears, or contact school administrators or the police. Take precautions for your safety, such as avoiding being alone and staying with a group of friends if possible. If you know someone is carrying a gun or planning to harm someone else - report him or her. Most of us have learned from an early age that it is wrong to tattle, but in some instances it is the most courageous thing you can do. Tell a trusted adult, such as a teacher, guidance counselor, principal or parent. If you are afraid and believe that telling will put you in danger or lead to retaliation, find a way to anonymously contact the authorities. Take the initiative to make your school safer.Join an existing group that is promoting non-violence at your school, or launch your own effort. Several of the online resources listed at the end of this document can help you get started. You might want to consider some of the following ideas:7
Helpful links related to school violenceSchool Safety & Security Directory ERIC/CASS Bullying in Schools Virtual Library Combating Fear and Restoring Safety in Schools Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2000 2000 Annual Report on School Safety Youth In Action Bulletins
References
Reprinted with permission from National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center. More on student safety: Sponsors:Like this site? Tell a friend. Are we missing something? Tell us. |
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