School Violence
By Dana Perry
Most kids have been affected by violence in some way, either in the home, on TV, or at school. As sixty-two percent of kids aged 12-15 think that violence is a 'big problem' for people their age.1 Sometimes bullying behavior can skyrocket into the extremes, including shootings that have occurred in schools and on college campuses. Many people believe that bullying cycles actually helped lead to this violent behavior. Violence in schools does exist, and as many as one in ten high school students have been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property in the last year.2 Although in many ways, schools are becoming safer than they were just a few years ago, as the number of students who report carrying a weapon to school has dropped by about 40 percent since 1993.3
Many schools are developing community safety plans in order to reduce school violence. Research has shown that when a school as a whole makes a commitment to end bullying, it can be reduced by 50 percent.4 Be proactive! Go to your principal or school counselor to discuss how you can make a difference. Check out www.nationalsave.org for a list of ways to get you started.
Bringing weapons such as guns or knives onto school property is illegal. You have a right to feel and be safe at your school. If you suspect a violent event on your school property, it is important to get help immediately. If necessary, call 911. A school principal, counselor, teacher, social worker, Girl Scout volunteer or other trusted adult may also be able to help you with your concerns. Free hotlines and Web sites that may be helpful are listed below.
By phone: - National Youth Violence Preventions Information
1-866-723-3968; 1-866-SAFEYOUTH (only available 8am-6pm eastern time)
- National Youth Crisis Hotline
1-800-442-4673; 1-800-442-HOPE
- Child-Help USA
1-800-422-4453
- National Center for Victims of Crime
1-800-FYI-CALL; 1-800-394-2255
On the Web: www.teenshealth.com
www.nationalsave.org/main/teens.php
www.safeyouth.org/scripts/teens.asp
www.coolnurse.com
www.girlpower.gov
1 Talking With Kids about Tough Issues: A National Survey of Parents and Kids. 2001. Nickelodeon and Talking With Kids
2 Bullying and Harassment. 2007. The National Center for Victims of Crime, www.ncvc.org
3 School Violence. National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, www.safeyouth.org
4 Bullying Facts and Statistics. National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, www.safeyouth.org
Dana Perry interned for GSUSA during summer 2007. She previously worked as an Outreach Specialist for high-risk youth at Girl Scouts - Pacific Peaks Council in DuPont, Wash.
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