There is a tendency to think of vandals as male. In some instances, particularly in the case of graffiti, girls are more likely than boys to be involved. In addition to the dollar cost, vandalism carries a marked social cost. Innocent bystanders often become the victims of destructive and vicious adolescent behavior. It has an impact on school programs as well as a psychological impact on individual students and groups of students.
Vandalism is a criminal offence.
Students who are caught face definite legal consequences. If allowed to go unchecked vandalism helps to create more serious negative habits and attitudes. Involvement in vandalism frequently leads to other illegal acts. Beefed-up security measures and more severe punishment have failed to slow down the rapid growth of vandalism in schools. Sober assessment and thoughtful measures are needed.