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Statistics regarding Violence in Large Schools

There has been a tremendous rise in the statistical figures of the school violence over the past two decades. Not much improvement has been seen since then as violence in school of urban areas still prevails.

 

Year 1992 saw an unfortunate incident take place in Virginia High School that resulted in 56 deaths. The shootout at the school was definitely a shameful incident that made its place in the history of the US education system. Two decades have passed since that painful incident but still there are no signs of improvement or positive move. The span of 18 years saw numerous school violence incidents taking place within the political borders of US only.

 

It is very essential to take notice of such incidents right from a new level. Numerous reasons play a crucial role behind such mishaps. Why is it prominent to see school violence in large schools? Is it got anything to do with the attitude and behavior of the large school going students?

 

Interpersonal problems, gang relations, desire to revenge, ostracism by peer group, racial issues and psychological problems are some of the major reasons that result in school violence. A report made on children’s death toll aged between 5 to 18 years show that 20,000 casualties (that include suicides and deaths) that is approximately 21% occur within the school premises or in a special school sponsored event. Year 2001-2002 saw 117 homicides taking place within the surrounding areas of school in urban localities. So from the statistics we can figure out that a student dies every 3 days within the political boundaries of the US.

 

If we compare the current statistical figures with those of the figures of 15 years before we will see that the serious crimes like theft, stabbing and sexual harassment have been increased by 40%. The statistics certainly do not ensure student’s safe learning environment.

 

School violence can be categorized into three categories:

 

  • Fights in-between gangs
  • Interpersonal disputes (usually related to a romantic/ property interest)

·         Harming others or committing suicide

Majority of the people have a belief that bullying can be eradicated from school life. This is not possible. Lack of proper care taken at the right time may result in the aggressive behavior of the student and may also boil the blood feud to surface. A special survey report reveals that 14% of the students, especially those originating from the Caucasian origin have been bullied in the year 2003-2004. A clinical report reveals that the victims of the bullies tend to get violent some or the other time. Main reason for the student turning violent is because of the mental, physical or sexual harassment that has a deep adverse impact on the mind of a person.

 

Gang fights are a common sight in urban localities and usually these gangs comprise of teens. The main reason for gang fights is usually because of the so called” Turf Lines”. In some cases the teens from a particular gang visit other schools just to attack a member of the rival gang which then threatens the life of other students as well. Proper action taken beforehand can prevent the occurrence of such unfortunate incidents.