NCJ Number
239401
Journal
Journal of School Violence Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: January - March 2012 Pages: 1-20
Date Published
January 2012
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This research examines youth fear of crime in general and youth fear of crime in school, specifically.
Abstract
Despite decades of research analyzing fear of crime among adults, little is known about youth fear of crime in general and youth fear of crime in school, specifically. Moreover, among existing studies most emphasize causes of fear, with little discussion of avoidance or the academic consequences of these feelings and behaviors in school. This study contributed to the literature by exploring the relation between fear of crime and avoidance in school and academic experiences using data from the 2007 National Crime Victimization Survey's School Crime Supplement. Results suggested that fear increases the odds a student will skip class, decreases the odds a student will earn higher grades, and decreases the odds a student will aspire to pursue higher education. However, fear and avoidance of crime in school did not emerge as having a significant relation with participation in extracurricular activities. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed. Published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.