School Violent Victimization Among Youth: Is There an Association With Perceived School Safety?

Abstract

Violent victimization and school safety continues to be a major health concern in the United States. This study examines whether there is an association between school violent victimization and perceived school safety among youth. The PRIDE Questionnaire for 6th-through 12th-grade students, which assesses violent victimization and perceived school safety, was completed voluntarily by students (N = 54,938) in a large Midwestern city. Results indicated that a sizeable percentage of youth felt unsafe at school. Perceived school safety differed based on gender, grade, and race. Students experiencing violent victimization reported lower levels of school safety than their counterparts did. Such findings have important implications for school health professionals and prevention specialists interested in protecting youth from violent victimization and enhancing student safety at school.