NCJ Number
209450
Date Published
2005
Length
104 pages
Annotation
This study examined school-related factors that either foster or inhibit violence between students in secondary schools in Australia.
Abstract
Concerns about violence on school campuses has increased markedly in recent years, yet little empirical research has been conducted regarding what works to reduce violence among students. The current study relied on self-report questionnaire data from a stratified randomly selected cluster sample of 2,616 students from 60 public secondary schools across New South Wales, as well as in-depth interviews of 41 students from 8 other schools. The self-report questionnaire focused on involvement in assaults and the interviews focused on recent incidents of school violence. Results of statistical and qualitative analyses indicated several school-related factors associated with physical violence on school campuses, including lack of teacher experience, racism among the student body, discipline problems in the classroom, and a lack of academic challenge. These factors remained significant after controlling for personal and family characteristics. School-related factors associated with decreased violence included teacher reprimands for racist comments made by students, anti-bullying policies, and formally communicated school rules. The qualitative interviews further revealed that the school authorities could be consistently effective in stopping fights once they had started. Despite the effectiveness of school administration in dealing with violence, the interview data indicated that students’ understanding of violence and its appropriateness for resolving conflicts were shaped outside of the school environment, such as at home and among peers. The findings are consistent with overseas research that suggests that the climate, culture, and structure of schools play an important role in shaping the level of violence that occurs between students. Figures, tables, appendixes, references, notes