In the midst of concerns about recent violent tragedies in and around schools, responses must be based on facts not fears.
Research indicates that students are safer at school than away from school.
Moreover, they commit fewer crimes during school hours than after school ends. Indeed, statistics show that serious violent juvenile crime peaks in the hours immediately following the close of school. The data reported in this Bulletin document the need for schools and communities to develop strategies for youth during afterschool hours. The information provided in its pages demonstrates the desirability of exploring policy changes, such as flexible work schedules so parents can provide more direct supervision during these crucial hours. Local school districts need to consider initiating or expanding recreational sports, mentoring, tutoring, arts, and homework programs as positive alternatives to unsupervised time in a child's day.