Despite school violence, our schools, experts point out, are decidedly safer than our streets. Eighteen states require it, and developing such a plan indicates that educators are placing school safety on the education agenda. Just keeping track of the number of violent incidents, including fighting between students, is an incredibly effective way to help lower violence in a school. Students who have been bullied or assaulted in school sometimes will tell an adult only if their parents ask them what's happening in school, Stephens said. Whether expelling disruptive students should play a part in keeping schools safe is a subject of considerable debate.
Safe schools are a top priority.
Some child advocates, however, disagreed. There is evidence that teachers find school violence threatening. According to the American Federation of Teachers, nearly one-third of teachers have pondered leaving the profession because of violence and intimidation. So will many students who find out about the act of violence from the media, family, or friends. Alarmed by recent school carnage, President Bill Clinton has asked Attorney General Janet Reno to investigate whether the recent killings at schools signify a growing trend.