Crime and Safety in US Schools – A Closer Look

Thomas Caldwell
Published: February 24, 2025
Updated: February 24, 2025
Category: Schools

Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning, but crime and violence remain concerns for students, teachers, and parents. Reports show that many schools deal with issues such as bullying, drug use, physical fights, and even violent crimes. While some progress has been made, challenges still exist in making schools safer.

Understanding the types of crimes happening in schools and how they are being addressed is important for anyone who cares about education and student well-being. In case a school is facing bigger issues related to theft, a good solution would be to invest in high-quality lockers for sale.

This article will explore school crime trends, security measures, and the steps schools are taking to reduce risks.

Table of Contents

School Crime Trends and Key Statistics

Ensuring the safety of students and staff in U.S. schools is a critical concern, as educational institutions continue to face various challenges related to crime and violence. Recent data provides insight into the prevalence of these issues, highlighting areas that require attention and intervention.

Incident Type	Percentage of Public Schools Reporting
Violent incidents (e.g., fights, assaults)	67%
Nonviolent incidents (e.g., thefts)	59%
Physical attacks or fights without a weapon	61%
Physical attacks or fights with a weapon	4%
Hate crimes	3%

Note: Data is from the 2019/20 school year.

Bullying and Cyberbullying

Three Boys Sit Together in A School Setting, One Holding a Phone, Possibly Discussing or Involved in Bullying or Cyberbullying — Source: Youtube/Screenshot, Harassment affects students’ emotions, grades, and attendance

Bullying, both physical and online, continues to affect millions of students across the country.

Schools remain one of the most common places where bullying happens, but cyberbullying has also become a growing issue due to the rise of social media and digital communication.

Many students experience harassment that impacts their emotional well-being, academic performance, and willingness to attend school.

Prevalence of Bullying and Cyberbullying

Reports show that 19% of high school students have experienced bullying on school property within a year.

Cyberbullying, which includes threats, harassment, and public humiliation, has affected 16% of high school students in the same period.

Middle school students report even higher rates, with nearly 28% facing in-school bullying and 37% experiencing cyberbullying at least once a week.

Where and How Bullying Happens

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A post shared by Hyattsville Police Department (@cityofhyattsvillepd)

Most bullying incidents take place in classrooms (39%), hallways (37.5%), and cafeterias (25.1%). Students commonly report being the subject of rumors (15%) or being insulted or called names (14%). Cyberbullying often happens through text messages, social media, and gaming platforms, where students can be harassed anonymously.

Effects on Students

The impact of bullying goes beyond school walls. Many students who experience bullying suffer from depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Studies show that 160,000 students skip school every day because they fear being bullied. LGBTQ+ students face even higher risks, with over 55% reporting cyberbullying.

Recent Cases and Response

In February 2025, an 11-year-old Texas student took her own life after being bullied about her family’s immigration status.
School districts in Texas and California have filed lawsuits against social media companies, arguing that their platforms contribute to student harassment and mental health issues.

Substance Use and Prevention in Schools

Substance use among students has been a longstanding concern for educators and policymakers. Recent data from the Monitoring the Future survey, conducted by the University of Michigan, provides insight into current trends:

These figures represent the percentage of students reporting use of each substance within the past 12 months. Notably, while alcohol and marijuana use have seen declines, nicotine vaping remains a prevalent issue among adolescents.

Educational programs that inform students about the risks associated with substance use are fundamental. Additionally, fostering a supportive environment where students feel connected and engaged can deter substance use.

Parental involvement and community partnerships further strengthen prevention efforts, ensuring that students receive consistent messages about the importance of making healthy choices.

Security Measures and Their Effectiveness

Ensuring the safety of students and staff is a paramount concern for educational institutions across the United States. Schools have implemented a variety of security measures to address potential threats and create a secure learning environment. This section examines the prevalence and effectiveness of these measures.

Prevalence of Security Measures

FAQs

How many school shootings happen in the U.S. each year?

The number of school shootings varies each year, but in 2023, there were 346 school shootings recorded, according to Education Week’s school shooting tracker. The number has been rising in recent years, making firearm-related violence a growing concern for schools.

Do most schools have armed security officers on campus?

Not all schools have armed security personnel. About 46% of public schools have a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) or law enforcement officer present at least once a week. Rural schools are less likely to have armed officers compared to urban and suburban schools.

What percentage of students report feeling unsafe at school?

Surveys show that about 6% of students report feeling unsafe at school at least some of the time. The number is higher in schools with high rates of bullying, gang presence, or recent violent incidents.

Can schools search students' lockers and backpacks?

Yes, most public schools have policies allowing them to search student lockers and backpacks without a warrant if there is reasonable suspicion of contraband. Random searches and drug-sniffing dogs are also used in some schools, though policies vary by state and district.

How often do students get arrested for crimes committed at school?

Student arrests at school are not common but still happen. In the most recent data, about 226,000 students were referred to law enforcement or arrested in a single school year. The most common reasons for arrests include fighting, drug possession, and weapons violations.

The Bottom Line

School Crime In The United States https://t.co/bQ3i090fGW via @YouTube

The latest overview of school crime is offered by the National Center for Education Statistics and the Bureau of Justice Statistics of the US Department of Justice.

— Crime in America.Net (@CrimeinAmerica) December 20, 2024

Crime and safety in U.S. schools remain serious concerns, affecting students, teachers, and parents nationwide. Violence, bullying, substance use, and security challenges continue to shape discussions about how to create safer learning environments.

While schools have implemented various safety measures, including controlled access, security cameras, and School Resource Officers, effectiveness varies depending on location and enforcement.

The rise of cyberbullying and concerns over school shootings have led to stronger policies, but gaps still exist in mental health support, conflict resolution programs, and parental involvement. Data shows that while some crime rates in schools have declined, issues like drug use and student altercations remain prevalent.

Preventing crime in schools requires a combination of strict security policies, student support programs, community involvement, and consistent enforcement of rules.

Sources

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): Crime and Safety Report
Youth Today: Crime, Violence, Discipline, and Safety in U.S. Public Schools
Facts About Bullying: https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts
9 facts about bullying in the U.S.: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/17/9-facts-about-bullying-in-the-us/
Monitoring the Future Survey, University of Michigan, 2024.: Reported use of most drugs among adolescents remained low in 2024
U.S. News & World Report: U.S. Teen Drug, Alcohol Use Remains at Low Levels
National Center for Education Statistics. (2021). Safety and Security Practices at Public Schools

Crime, Cyberbullying, Safety, Security Measures, US Schools

Thomas Caldwell

I’m Dr. Thomas "Tom" Caldwell, a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience, having taught at prestigious institutions. Now, as a dedicated freelance English teacher, I specialize in delivering engaging and personalized online courses, while also helping students manage their time better and achieve better performance. My passion for literature and innovative teaching methods makes my classes dynamic and impactful. Through LSUUniversityRec.com, I aim to inspire a diverse range of students to love literature and excel in their studies.