NCJ Number
170967
Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association Volume: 275 Issue: 22 Dated: (June 12, 1996) Pages: 1729-1733
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Two strategies were used to determine the number of violent deaths associated with schools from July 1992 through June 1994.
Abstract
Information was collected from the United States Department of Education and the National School Safety Center, as well as from a search of two computerized newspaper and broadcast media databases. Probable cases were confirmed through interviews at least one local press, law enforcement, or school official familiar with each cases. One hundred five violent deaths were confirmed. The estimated incidence of school-associated violent death was 0.09 per 100,000 student-years. Students in secondary schools, students of minority racial and ethnic backgrounds, and students in urban school districts had higher levels of risk. The deaths occurred in communities of all sizes in 25 States. Homicide was the cause of 85 deaths; firearms were responsible for 81 deaths. Seventy-six victims were students. Both victims and offenders tended to be young and male. Thirty-one deaths occurred inside school buildings, 37 occurred outdoors but on school property, and 37 occurred off campus while the victim was traveling to or from school. Forty-six deaths occurred during classes or other school activities; 46 occurred before or after official school activities. Findings indicated that school-associated violent deaths were more common than previously estimated and had epidemiological features that were similar to those of homicides and suicides that occur elsewhere. Findings suggest the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses violent injury and death among young people at school and elsewhere in the community. Figures, tables, and 25 references (Author abstract modified)