School Violence Essay -- Violence Education Security Technology Essays

Over the past several years, an epidemic of school violence has overtaken our nation. From monthly shootings, to daily bomb threats around the country, violence is becoming more and more common in schools. It is typical to hear about acts of violence among our youth everyday on the news. Although more numerous in cities, this violence does not discriminate against inner city or suburban areas; it happens everywhere. When addressing this quick spread of crime, one can inquire as to its history and why it happens, myths about school violence, and how was can taper it, by the use of technology. History of School Violence The history of violence in schools has no set pattern, but statistics report back to the 1970s. In 1978, a reported 282,000 students were assaulted in high schools, and 5,200 teachers were also assaulted that year (Elliot, 1998). Between 1984 and 1994, the number of teens who were killed doubled, while the number of adult homicides decreased (Elliot, 1998). Over the years, students have felt increasingly more afraid to go to school. Along with the number of homicides increasing, lesser crimes like theft and assault have gone up as well (Elliot, 1998). An outrageous statistic from the book â€Å"Violence in American Schools,† states â€Å"nearly half (47%) of all teens believe their schools are becoming more violent, and one of every ten report a fear of being shot or hurt by classmates that carry weapons to school† (Elliot, 1998). Sadly enough, over the years, children have become afraid to go to a place, which once made them feel safe. Myth and Fact of School Violence People have many different perceptions about what school violence is, and how it is handled. There are many misconceived ideas about... ...ology. American School & University. Retrieved April 11, 2015 from www.ephost@epnet.com Garza, Katie. (2002). School Security Moves Into the Digital Age. The Journal. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from www.ephost@epnet.com. Goldberg, L. (2003). Creating Safer and More Efficient Schools with Biometric Technologies. The Journal. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from www.ephost@epnet.com. Goldberg. P A. & Conoley.J.C. (Eds.)(1997) School Violence Intervention. New York: The Guildford Press Shafii, S, M. & Shafii, S.L. (Eds.). (2001). School Violence: Assessment, Management, Prevention. Washington , DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. Szczerba, Peter. (2000). Advances in Protection. American School & University. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from www.ephost@epnet.com. Trump. K. (1998) Practical School Security. California : Corwin Press Inc.