As frightening as these numbers seem, most reports suggest that there has actually been a slight decrease in the number of violent incidents among students over the last several years. Despite this decrease, students report that they feel less safe at school than ever before. A number of factors seems to make some schools more vulnerable to the occurrence of violent acts than others. For example, incidents are more likely to occur in high schools or middle schools, in schools with enrollments of more than 1,000 students, and in schools located in urban areas. Those students who act violently believe this type of behavior is acceptable and report that the victim had done something to deserve it.
Retribution is cited as the primary justification for violent and aggressive behavior.
A growing body of evidence suggests factors that are helpful in identifying students who might be most at risk for engaging in violent behavior. These factors include being male, having a background of extreme poverty, and having a history of family conflict. Equally important are the observed school behaviors of these students, which include early and persistent antisocial behavior, a lack of commitment to school, and academic failure in late elementary school. The report found that most programs were somewhat effective in reducing antisocial behavior in schools. Therefore, reducing these less intense forms of antisocial behavior, which often serve as the catalyst for more intensive violent episodes, may be our best weapon in preventing serious school violence.