New research identifies gaps, stagnation in violence prevention programs in US schools

While violence prevention education has seen an increase in US schools, only 1 in 10 schools require such discussions in the classroom, according to research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition at the Orange County Convention Center. The findings emphasize the need for schools to strengthen policies and curricula aimed at preventing bullying, sexual harassment, and violence.

The research, led by Chloe Gao, MD, PhD candidate, analyzed data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2008 to 2020 as part of the School Health Profiles (SHP), a national surveillance system covering 44 to 50 states. The study titled “Implementation of Educational Programming and Policies to Prevent Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Violence in US Schools, 2008 to2020” looked at the efforts of middle and high schools to curb these issues over time.

“Bullying, sexual harassment, and violence can create hostile school environments that negatively impact students’ academic performance, health, and developmental outcomes,” Gao said. “Some students drop out of school in order to avoid these situations, a choice that impacts them for the rest of their lives.”

The data, collected from 2,718 schools through self-administered surveys completed by principals and health education teachers, revealed troubling trends. Schools have made minimal progress in implementing violence prevention policies, with the inclusion of safety measures in school assessments stagnating. In 2010, only 36.6% of schools assessed unintentional injury and violence prevention, and this figure rose slightly to 40.1% by 2020.

Similarly, education materials to raise awareness about bullying and sexual harassment, including electronic aggression, showed little improvement, with 62.7% of schools offering such materials in 2014 compared to 65.0% in 2020. The availability of professional development for teachers on violence prevention also remained low, increasing marginally from 56.2% in 2008 to 61.4% in 2020.

Despite the persistent challenges, bullying and violence continue to affect a significant number of students. Between 2021 and 2022, 2 out of 4 schools in the United States reported at least 1 violent incident. Teen girls are particularly vulnerable, with data showing that reports of sexual violence among girls increased from 15% in 2017 to 18% in 2021.

“School is supposed to be a safe place for all. A place children can learn, grow, and play no matter what circumstance they come from,” Gao said. “We need to make sure that we are engaging schools in the fight against youth bullying, sexual harassment, and violence.”

The study concluded that from 2008 to 2020, the programs, policies, and curricula related to bullying, sexual harassment, and violence in schools remained largely stagnant. Given the rise in school-based violence in recent years, the need for expanded preventive interventions is critical. Gao called for more comprehensive policies, better monitoring practices, and a renewed commitment to creating safer environments for students.

As the research highlights, addressing these issues is more urgent than ever, with many students facing hostile school environments that threaten their academic and personal development.

Reference:

Anti-bullying, sexual harassment resources increase in US schools but gaps remain. Eurekalert. September 27, 2024. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1058494