National Trends in School Violence: Statistics and Prevention Strategies (From School Violence Intervention: A Practical Handbook, P 72-90, 1997, Arnold P. Goldstein and Jane Close Conoley, eds. - See NCJ-169051)

• NCJ Number: 169056
• Author(s): R D Stephens
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Guilford Publications, Inc.
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Violence in schools is discussed in terms of national trends and 48 immediate actions that school administrators can take at little or no cost to reduce and prevent the problem.

Abstract

The number of school crimes has remained relatively constant in recent years, but the severity of the violence in terms of shootings and stabbings has increased. Violent and disruptive behavior occurs in urban, suburban, and rural schools in all socioeconomic groups, cultural groups, and ethnic communities. Factors related to school violence include the numbers of students who drop out of the education mainstream through truancy, suspension, and other behaviors; discipline problems, bullying, and harassment; alcohol and other drug use; and gang membership. Depression and suicide have increased among students. Strategies to prevent violence and increase school safety require the presence of eight factors, including clear behavior standards; adequate adult presence, supervision, and involvement; and fair and consistent rule enforcement. Actions that school administrators can implement now include controlling campus access, placing school safety on the educational agenda, creating a mission statement, and establishing a crisis response plan. 20 references