NCJ Number
162006
Date Published
1996
Length
239 pages
Annotation
This 1995 survey solicits juveniles' views on how crime and violence affect their lives and whether youth are willing to participate in activities designed to counter crime and violence.
Abstract
A total of 2,023 interviews were completed in classrooms with two representative samples of public, private, and parochial school students in grades 7 through 12, using the Harris Scholastic Sample of schools and school students. The latter is a nationally representative sample of schools and a representative sample of urban schools. All interviewing was conducted between October 5 and November 16, 1995. The survey was designed to address four overarching issues: how violence and crime affect young people's lives, young people's attitudes toward violence and crime, whether youth are willing to be part of the solution for preventing violence and crime, and whether youth are open to participating in a variety of community-service activities aimed at preventing violence and crime in a proactive manner. Specific issues for which responses were sought consisted of views on and experiences with violence and crime in the local community, the kinds of community programs in which respondents currently participate or would be interested in joining, and youths' own personal values and where they receive moral guidance. Other issues considered in the survey were youths' views on the role of police in the community, youths' experience and beliefs about antisocial and violent behavior, and youths' concerns and hopes for the future. The findings show that a significant proportion of youth detest and are concerned about the crime level, and many are already involved in doing something about it in their neighborhoods; more are willing to get involved. At the same time, the survey also shows that substantial proportions of youth are involved in physical confrontations, have attitudes, and confront situations that make it difficult for them to live lives free of crime, violence, and their consequences. One challenge for America is to harness the enthusiasm and hopefulness of youth in order to minimize their fears by educating them about solid crime prevention practices and encouraging proactive behavior to help them feel safe. Appended survey methodology and the Harris Scholastic Sample Design methodology