The problem we are facing today with violence in the schools is a major concern with communities everywhere. .
Juvenile homicide is twice as common today as it was in the mid 1980's. It isn't the brain that the kids are born .
with that has changed in half a generation; what has changed though is the easy access to guns and the .
glorification of revenge in real life and in entertainment. Crime in and around schools is threatening the well .
being of students, as well as the staff and surrounding communities. It also affects the learning and student .
achievements.
Violence is found more in public schools rather than Catholic schools. Most Catholic schools have less .
tolerance and is a better teaching environment. It is said that uniforms help to keep more peace in the school. .
The students don't get made fun of for not wearing the "in look" or name brand clothing. Making fun of, or .
laughing at other students contribute to low self-esteem, which is one characteristic of a student who brings .
violence in the schools.
In 1997, more than ½ of the schools reported at least one crime incident. Also, in 1997 one out of ten schools .
reported at least on serious violent crime. Ten percent of all public schools have experienced one or more .
serious violent crimes, such as, murder, rape, suicide, sexual battery, and physical attack of fighting with a .
weapon or robbery.
Crime and violence seem to be more of a problem in high schools and middle schools rather than elementary .
schools. In 1997 45% of elementary schools reported on or more acts of violence, middle schools reported .
74% and high schools 75%.
One of the goals of the National Education Goals was that by the year 2000, all schools in America will be free .
of drugs, alcohol, violence and the presence of firearms by unauthorized personnel. The also wanted a .
disciplined environment that is acceptable for learning. This goal has obviously not been reached yet.