Citation

Zhang L, Johnson WD. J. Sch. Health 2005; 75(2): 67-71.

Affiliation

Office of Science and Evaluation, Mississippi State Dept of Health, Jackson, MS 39215-1700, USA. lzhang@msdh.state.ms.us

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, American School Health Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15929596

Abstract

Researchers examined trends and compared subgroup differences in violence-related behaviors on school property among Mississippi public high school students from 1993 to 2003. Findings are based on data from the Mississippi Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), a representative sample (N = 9,058) of Mississippi high school students. Males, non-Hispanic Whites, heavy smokers, and binge drinkers reported violence-related behaviors on school property more frequently than their counterparts. A statistically significant linear decrease occurred during 1993--2003 in the percent of students carrying a weapon (p < 0.0001) and having a physical fight (p < 0.0001). The percent of students threatened or injured with a weapon on school grounds did not decrease significantly (p = 0.2800). Violence-related behaviors were reported somewhat less frequently among 12th graders but overall, grade was not a statistically significant factor. Trends observed in Mississippi appear to be occurring throughout the United States and perhaps globally. Parents, school officials, and community administrators are committed to reducing violence-related behavior on school property. Although the decreases are encouraging, the percent of students who reported violence-related behaviors remains at a level that causes serious concern. Efforts must continue and perhaps increase to curb behaviors that may lead to school violence. Future studies should elucidate mechanisms associated with the self-reported decreasing behaviors so intervention programs can be properly focused.