Middle school student perceptions of school violence and safe school environments

The purpose of this study was to determine middle school students' perceptions of the most frequently occurring and most serious acts of school violence; the reasons why students fail to report safety concerns and commit acts of violence; and strategies for creating safe school environments. Data were collected and analyzed from student survey and focus group responses. Chi-square tests of independence were used to determine whether or not relationships existed between students' perceptions of school violence and safety, and the variables: feelings of safety, frequency of school violence victimization, willingness to report, gender, grade, ethnicity/race, and type of school. The focus group responses were coded to reflect the important points of analysis and emerging themes/categories.; Survey data revealed that “name calling” is the most frequently occurring act of violence. The most serious act of violence is “hitting, punching or kicking.” Chi-square tests indicated students' perceptions of the most frequently occurring and the most serious acts of violence are not associated with their feelings of safety, frequency of victimization, willingness to report, gender, grade, ethnicity/race and type of school.; The reason selected most often for not reporting safety concerns was “afraid of retaliation.” A chi-square test revealed a relationship between “reasons for not reporting” and “willingness to report.”; Eighty-seven percent of students agreed or strongly agreed that students commit acts of violence because they have been bullied. Chi-square tests revealed a relationship between students' perceptions of the reasons why students commit acts of violence and feelings of safety, frequency of victimization, willingness to report, gender, grade, ethnicity/race, and type of school.; Ninety-two percent of students rated “teaching respect for all people” as a helpful or very helpful strategy for creating a safe school environment. Chi-square tests revealed a relationship between students' perceptions of effective strategies and feelings of safety, victimization, willingness to report, gender, and type of school.; The findings suggest that bullying behavior cannot be minimized or ignored. The findings also demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive approach to school violence prevention; students' safety and security needs must be addressed along with their emotional needs for support and belonging.