School Violence: How Serious is the Problem?

• NCJ Number: 208951
• Author(s): Kurt Naumann; Tommie Canady; Beth Stark
• Date Published: August 2001
• Length: 3 pages
• Corporate Author: School Violence Resource Ctr
• Sale Source: School Violence Resource Ctr
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Downloaded March 3, 2005.

Annotation

This paper provides a brief overview of the seriousness of America’s school violence problem.

Abstract

Any amount of school violence is too much. However, when assessing the prevalence and impact of school violence in the United States, it is important to understand that 90 percent of the Nation’s schools are free from serious crime and violence. Current research on school violence trends and perceptions indicates that while actual incidents of school violence are rare, the public has the perception that school violence is a serious problem in America. Teachers, on the other hand, usually report that their school environments are very safe and orderly. Thus, while school violence is a serious problem that should be rectified, when considering new legislation and policies regarding school violence, it is imperative that decisionmakers understand the true prevalence and nature of the problem and not react based on public fear of crime. Continued study and assessment of the actual problem will lead to better understanding of youth violence and its affect on society.