School Violence

The effects of school violence have been extensive. Many students stayed at home out of fear in the late 1990s than ever before. Schools were no longer viewed as safe havens for the nation's children. The increased presence of police, metal detectors, and intervention programs have become daily reminders of school violence.

The thousands of students directly exposed to school violence, both the highly publicized multiple homicides and the less publicized episodes of threats and standoffs that did not lead to actual injury or death, can suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. This condition can cause depression, anger, and anxiety. Overall, the ability for youth to learn and schools to effectively teach are greatly affected by school violence.