NCJ Number
227561
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2009 Pages: 162-169
Date Published
June 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the nature of school shootings as an extreme form of school violence.
Abstract
Findings show the emergence of six strategies that could reduce the vulnerability of schools to a shooting event: strengthening school attachment, reducing social aggression, breaking down codes of silence, establishing resources (screening, assessment, and intervention) for troubled and rejected students, increasing security, and bolstering communication within the school and between the school and community agencies. If implemented successfully, programs based on these six strategies are likely to reduce social stratification, increase school bonding, and provide early intervention for ostracized and angry students who, if exposed to other risk factors, may have a higher likelihood of violence. However, these six strategies are likely to affect student shooters more than adult shooters for whom the central school-based deterrent may only be the physical security of a potential target. Individual characteristics of perpetrators and the vulnerabilities of schools where shootings have occurred are discussed. The paper concludes by reviewing plausible prevention strategies. Data were collected from case comparisons, media reports, and expert testimony. References