66 Chilling Student Crime Statistics: 2024 Data & Demographics

These days, students have more to worry about than getting good grades or fitting in with their peers. The sad truth is that crime and violence have become common in schools today. In some cases, schools have even become a place of death, if the recent history of school shootings is anything to go by.

With most schools in total or partial lockdowns, crime across the US seems to be on a break. However, the nationwide COVID-19 restrictions seemed to have made little impact in stopping young perpetrators from committing student crimes across the US.

The latest student crime statistics likewise show that students all over the country are exposed to a wider variety of crimes and threats, on top of the impact of COVID-19. These statistics can help policymakers and school authorities make more informed decisions and craft more effective solutions to reduce violence and crime in schools.

Student Crime during COVID-19 Pandemic Statistics

School-based crime did not rest even during a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some key statistics:

• On November 24 before 8:00 a.m., a 12-year-old female student of Hendersonville Middle School in North Carolina was injured when a 13-year-old male student shot her using a handgun in the school gym. (EdWeek, 2021)
• Around 10 days prior, a 6-year-old male student of Lincoln Elementary School was shot in the jaw during recess. The school was also in North Carolina. (EdWeek, 2021)
• A total of 12 people were injured or killed in a school shooting incident during the pandemic across the US. (EdWeek, 2021)
• Other school shooting incidences involved 2 students or other children killed and another school staff killed. (EdWeek, 2021)
• Of these ten school-related crimes, 3 happened in Texas, 2 each in North Carolina, Florida, and California, and 1 in Ohio. (EdWeek, 2021)
• A study found that homicide, serious battery, and intimate partner violence, which are crimes perpetrated alone have either risen or stayed the same across the US during the pandemic. (Boman & Gallupe, 2020)

Bullying and COVID-19 Statistics

This coronavirus pandemic is truly a novel period, especially for school-age children because of the unprecedented opportunity to stay online longer than any time in the past. This situation was the single significant factor that prompted the rise in cyberbullying behavior in the US. Because it was widely known that COVID-19 originated from Wuhan, China, Asian Americans, including children, had been the unfortunate target of numerous cyberbullying incidences.

• From March to July 2020, a total of 2,373 self-reported bullying or verbal harassment incidents were recorded at a popular anti-cyberbullying site called the AAPI (or Asian American and Pacific Islander). (Stop AAPI Hate, 2020)
• 81.5% or 278 American adolescents reported being verbally abused or bullied. (Stop AAPI Hate, 2020)
• 24% or 82 US teens reported being socially isolated or shunned. (Stop AAPI Hate, 2020)
• 8% or 24 American teens reported being victims of physical assaults. (Stop AAPI Hate, 2020)
• From December 2019 to April 2020, a 72% increase in hate speech among teens and children on social media and other popular sites was reported. (L1ght, 2020)
• There was also a 200% rise in online traffic to hate sites, mostly involving hate posts targetting Asians. (L1ght, 2020)
• During the pandemic, 5.4% of Asian Americans said they were being treated unreasonably according to the 2020 California Health Interview Survey. (UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, 2020)
• Within California alone, around 264,000 Asian Americans had become victims of racism due to the pandemic. (UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, 2020)

General Statistics on Student Crime

A 2018 report published jointly by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Center of Education Statistics classified school crime into two categories: non-fatal victimizations (rape, teacher and student victimization, bullying, fights, possession of weapons and illegal substances) and violent deaths.

These student crime statistics show that both types of crime continue to run rampant in schools today. These instances of violence and instability may be exacerbated by the fact that 4.5 million children ages three to 17 have been diagnosed with behavioral problems, based on these education statistics.

• In 2017 alone, students ages 12–18 experienced 827,000 non-fatal victimizations at school. (Bureau of Justice, 2018)
• More than 3,434 threats and incidents of violence occurred in American K-12 schools during the 2018–2019 school year. (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)
• At least 374 incidents of violence were reported in the 2018–2019 school year, an increase of 34%. (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)
• However, schools experienced a 9.5% decrease in threats in 2018–2019 compared to the previous year. (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)
• A majority of parents—74%—of children enrolled in elementary and high school think schools have become less safe. (APNORC, 2018)

Student Crime Statistics by Location

• Students from urban areas experienced the largest decrease in gang activity at school, from 29% in 2001 to 11% in 2017. (Bureau of Justice, 2017)
• More schools located in towns reported incidents of theft (44%) compared to schools in cities, suburbs, and rural areas. (Youth Today, 2019)
• In contrast, more city-based schools reported vandalism (40%) compared to schools in towns, suburbs, and rural areas. (Youth Today, 2019)

Public Schools vs Private Schools Statistics

Public and private schools are often pitted against each other, not only in terms of quality of education but also concerning school safety. While violence can occur at any type of school, school safety statistics show that private schools often offer more safety to students.

• During the 2017–2018 school year, US public schools experienced an estimated 962,300 violent incidents and 476,100 non-violent incidents. (National Center of Education Statistics, 2019)
• Around 71% of public schools experienced at least one violent incident, while 65% of these schools reported at least one nonviolent incident. (National Center of Education Statistics, 2019)
• Of the 134 school shootings that occurred from 2000 to 2018, eight occurred in private schools while 122 took place in public schools. (Cato Institute, 2019)
• Nearly half of public school students report gang activity at their school, while only 2% of private school students do. (Seattle PI , n.d.)

Violent Threats and Arrests Statistics

According to these school violence statistics, students today encounter a wide variety of factors that threaten their safety, not just active shooters. For instance, violent events that students experience in school include large-scale student fights, aggressive figures, such as trespassers and disruptive parents, attempted abductions, and assault.

• 18% of violent incidents at schools occurred without a gun. (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)
• During the 2018–2019 school year, 87% of violent threats came from students, an increase from 81% in the previous school year. (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)
• The most common threats recorded in the 2018–2019 school year were unspecified threats of violence (47.4%), shooting threats (28.2%), and bomb threats (16.9%). (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)
• 54% of specified threats were related to a school shooting, while bomb threats accounted for 32% of these threats. (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)
• Likewise, in 2017, 6% of students in grades 9 to 12 reported being threatened or injured with a weapon on school property during the previous 12 months. (NCES, 2018)
• Juvenile arrests for all offenses went down 11% in 2018 compared to juvenile arrests made in 2017. (FBI, 2019)
• In 2018, juveniles accounted for 19.7% of arrests for arson. (FBI, 2019)
• Moreover, nearly 60% of these juvenile arrests for arson were under the age of 15. (FBI, 2019)
• 85% of all violent incidents at schools for the 2018–2019 school year were perpetrated by students. (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)
• Physical fights among students in the 9th to 12th grade went down from 33% to 24% from 2001 to 2017. (FBI, 2019)
• Generally, fights on school property decreased from 13% to 9% from 2001 to 2017. (FBI, 2019)
• In 2017, 6% of students, ages 12 to 18, were called hate-related words at school. (Bureau of Justice, 2018)

School Shootings and Gun Violence Statistics

These days, students are no strangers to gun violence. Gun violence affects 3 million students at school each year and it’s just one factor driving student stress statistics to alarming levels.

In 2020, there have been six shooting incidents so far at US schools. The most recent shooting incident involving a student occurred in January in Antioch, California, where a 16-year-old male student was shot and killed in Deer Valley High School.

Aside from incidents with active shooters, students also experience threats of injury from firearms.

• In 2019, the US saw a total of 45 school shootings, averaging almost one school shooting per school week. (CNN, 2019)
• Based on publicly available data on school shooting incidents from 1970 to the present, 173 school shooters were 17-year-olds. (Center for Homeland Defense and Security, 2020)
• American schools experienced 37 active-shooter incidents between 2000 and 2017, an average of two or three incidents per year. (New York Times, 2017)
• According to federal deaths in schools statistics, 67 people have been killed and 86 wounded in school shootings from 2000 to 2017. (New York Times, 2017)
• All 37 active shooters at elementary and secondary schools were male. (NCES, 2019)
• Of the 15 shootings at post-secondary institutions as of 2017, 13 of the active shooters were male, and the remaining two were female. (NCES, 2017)
• From 1994 to 2018, 95% of school-associated youth homicides with multiple victims were caused by firearm-related injuries. (CDC, 2018)
• Active shooter events account for only 6% of all violent incidents in schools. (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)

Crimes on College Campuses

Thanks to the Clery Act, US colleges and universities receiving financial aid from federal programs must disclose and disseminate a public annual security report to employees and students. This report typically includes statistics on campus crime from the previous three calendar years. Crime figures detailed in the report cover four main categories: criminal offenses, VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) offenses, hate crimes, and arrests and referrals for disciplinary actions.

Under the fourth category, for instance, this annual report must include statistics on drug abuse violations committed by students. These reports are especially important to provide more transparency into college drug abuse statistics today.

• The total number of reported on-campus crimes from 2001 to 2017 had declined by 31%. (NCES, 2020)
• 28,900 on-campus crimes were reported in 2017, which was a 2% increase from the previous year. (NCES, 2020)
• In 2017, the most common types of on-campus crimes reported were burglaries, which account for 38% of all on-campus crimes, or equivalent to 11,100 incidences. (NCES, 2020)
• 36% of all on-campus crimes or 10,400 incidents were forcible sex offenses. (NCES, 2020)
• 12% of on-campus crimes or 3,500 incidents involved motor vehicle thefts. (NCES, 2020)
• On top of these crimes, 1,000 robberies and 2,200 aggravated assaults were perpetrated on campuses in the US. (NCES, 2020)
• For every 10,000 full-time students, there were 0.7 robberies, 1.5 aggravated assaults, 2.3 motor vehicles, 7.1 forcible sex offenses, and 7.5 burglaries. (NCES, 2020)
• 88.8% of sexual harassment victims on college campuses report being harassed by other students. (Association of American Universities, 2019)
• 27.7% of stalking victims on college campuses identify as genderqueer, gender non-conforming, or transgender. (Association of American Universities, 2019)
• 19.6% of female college undergraduates experience sexual assault through sexual touching. (Association of American Universities, 2019)
• The overall number of reported on-campus crimes have decreased by 32% from 2001 to 2016. (Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2020)

Preventive Measures for Student Crimes

Due to the high incidence of crime and violence in schools in the US, various organizations have committed to help schools and school systems improve preparedness and overall safety. To achieve these goals, many schools have implemented strategies such as improved student supervision and school hardening, which involves purchasing advanced surveillance equipment and bullet-proofing technologies.

Similarly, implementing preventive measures for on-campus student crime may also put additional pressure on universities to look for alternative funding.

• Some schools (35%) used an out-of-school suspension of at least five days to discipline students found in possession of weapons other than firearms or explosive devices. (NCES, 2019)
• More schools located in cities (50%) and suburbs (49%) reported having a threat assessment team for the 2017 to 2018 school year, compared to schools in towns (38%) and rural areas (34%). (NCES, 2019)
• 92% of schools have written plans for dealing with scenarios with active shooters. (NCES, 2019)
• 35% of charter schools had security personnel present at least once a week, compared to 21% of traditional public schools. (NCES, 2019)
• Aside from active shooter events, 4.5% of tracked incidents of gun presence at schools involved shots being fired on school grounds. (Educator’s School Safety Network, 2019)
• Meanwhile, 63% of teachers strongly oppose receiving special training to carry guns in school. (Gallup, 2018)
• 27% of registered voters in the US strongly support the notion of teachers being equipped with concealed firearms to respond in the event of a school shooting. (Morning Consult, 2019)
• The three factors that schools report to have the biggest impact on crime prevention measures were: inadequate funds (36%), lack of alternative placements or programs for disruptive students (34%), and district policies on disciplining special education (19%). (NCES, 2019)

What are the mental health impacts of student crime?

The presence of crime in educational settings goes beyond physical harm, as it also deeply affects the mental well-being of students and staff. Crime in schools contributes to a stressful environment that can lead to anxiety, trauma, and other mental health challenges among students. Recognizing these mental health impacts is crucial for providing adequate support and fostering a safer school environment.

Here are the main mental health impacts associated with student crime:

• Increased Anxiety and Fear: Students often feel heightened anxiety about their safety in crime-affected schools, which can disrupt their focus and learning. Continuous exposure to bullying, threats, or violent incidents contributes to a pervasive sense of fear.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exposure to severe incidents like school shootings, physical assaults, or aggressive confrontations can trigger PTSD, especially among younger students. Symptoms may include nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and hypervigilance.
• Academic Decline Due to Mental Strain: Students dealing with anxiety or trauma often experience a decline in academic performance. Concentration and retention are affected, impacting their overall academic success and future opportunities.
• Increased Depression Rates: Environments where bullying, harassment, or threats are common can lead to depression in students, particularly those who feel unsupported. Feelings of isolation may increase when students perceive their concerns as overlooked.
• Behavioral Issues as Coping Mechanisms: Some students respond to stress by developing behavioral issues. These may include disruptive behaviors, aggression, or withdrawal, reflecting unaddressed mental health needs and impacting classroom dynamics.
• Need for Counseling and Mental Health Services: To address these impacts, schools can offer access to counseling services, peer support groups, and mental health education programs. Ensuring students know where to seek help can significantly improve their resilience.

Effects of Student Crimes

Crimes in schools have various negative effects, not the least fear in students and teachers and school staff as well. In many cases, student crimes also increase schools’ operating costs, as schools have to allocate funds for protection. Likewise, a high incidence of crime in schools also affects enrollment and teacher retention rates.

Likewise, the above statistics indicate that school authorities and local law enforcement must continue to further intensify their crime prevention strategies within their campuses and in the surrounding communities. It is high time for more proactive and relevant changes in school policies and teaching methods to control the occurrence of student crimes during and after the pandemic.

Key Insights

• Despite nationwide lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, school-based crime persisted, including incidents of school shootings.
• There was a significant rise in cyberbullying, particularly targeting Asian American students, due to increased online activity during the pandemic.
• The general trend in student crime shows a prevalence of non-fatal victimizations and violent incidents, with behavioral problems among children contributing to these issues.
• Schools in urban areas have seen a decline in gang activity, while theft and vandalism are more prevalent in schools located in towns and cities, respectively.
• Public schools report higher incidents of violent and non-violent crimes compared to private schools, with public schools also experiencing more gang activity.
• Various forms of violent threats and arrests continue to be a major concern in schools, with a significant percentage of these incidents involving students themselves.
• Gun violence remains a critical issue, with numerous school shootings and threats involving firearms reported each year.
• College campuses report a range of crimes, with burglary and forcible sex offenses being the most common, and the Clery Act playing a crucial role in transparency.
• Preventive measures such as improved supervision, surveillance, and security personnel are implemented to combat student crimes, though funding and policy challenges persist.
• Student crimes have a wide array of negative effects, including heightened fear among students and staff, increased operating costs for schools, and impacts on enrollment and teacher retention rates.

FAQ

1. What are the main types of student crimes reported during the COVID-19 pandemic? School shootings, cyberbullying, and other violent incidents were among the main types of student crimes reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite lockdowns, crimes involving firearms and online harassment persisted, with Asian American students particularly targeted in cyberbullying incidents.
2. How has cyberbullying changed during the COVID-19 pandemic? Cyberbullying increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic due to extended online activity among students. There was a notable rise in hate speech and online harassment, especially against Asian American students, with incidents reported by various anti-cyberbullying organizations.
3. What are the differences in crime rates between public and private schools? Public schools report higher rates of both violent and non-violent crimes compared to private schools. Incidents such as gang activity and school shootings are more prevalent in public schools, while private schools generally provide a safer environment for students.
4. What preventive measures are schools taking to combat student crimes? Schools are implementing various preventive measures, including increased student supervision, advanced surveillance equipment, and security personnel. Some schools have threat assessment teams and written plans for dealing with active shooter scenarios, though challenges such as inadequate funding and policy constraints remain.
5. How does student crime impact schools and communities? Student crimes lead to increased fear among students and staff, higher operating costs for schools, and negative effects on enrollment and teacher retention rates. These crimes also necessitate more intensive crime prevention strategies by school authorities and local law enforcement to ensure safety and security in schools and surrounding communities.

References:

1. 20 Years after Columbine, Schools Have Gotten Safer But Fears Have Only Grown. (2019, April 20). The New York Times.
2. 2020 California Health Interview Survey Preliminary COVID-19 Estimates Provided by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. (2020). UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.
3. Are shootings more likely to occur in public schools? (2019, September 8). Cato Institute.
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18. School shootings in 2020: How many and where. (2021, February 16). Education Week.
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By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.