It’s a grim fact for parents who remember high school as a place of proms, science experiments, and fun in the courtyard, but high school crime, particularly relating to bullying and theft, is a pressing concern in contemporary life.
High schools are still places where good things happen, of course. However, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 45 violent school-related deaths in 2012, the last year for which statistics are available. That is more than 4 per month.
The same report shows that simple assault is far more prevalent at school than away from it. At school, the rate of “violent victimization” (assault) was 37 students per 1,000. Away from school, by contrast, it was 15 students per 1,000.
Even then, these reports do not factor in the school shootings that have so regrettably become part of the U.S. landscape.
What can family members do to help high school students? The National Crime Prevention Council suggests the following.
One. Communicate often about what goes on at school.
Make it a practice to talk to your kids about what their life at school is like. Every day, or every other day. They are unlikely to tell you troubling things unless you are involved and concerned on a consistent basis.
Two. Watch for warning signs.
Bullying or cyber bullying, especially, have warning signs. Withdrawal from previous friends or social activities can be a warning sign, as can depressed behavior. An increase in aggressive behavior can also be a warning sign. Also, look for physical signs, such as torn clothing or bruises.
Three. Ask the school about internet monitoring.
Make sure you know the protocols at your child’s school about whether the internet is monitored for cyber bullying, use of x-rated materials, and the like. In your home, you can control this through blockers and monitoring. Do they?
Four. Ask the school about emergency safety plans.
Sadly, because of the rise in school shootings and other violent behavior, schools must have a plan for dealing with the potential for containment of a violent person and evacuation of the students. Ask the high school administrators what they plans are.
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