Fear of Crime at School: What Do We Know and What Can We Do?

• In Event: Special Issue for Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice “School Violence and Safety” Thematic Panel 1

Abstract

Research on students’ perceptions of fear in school settings has proliferated, specifically as a result of the increased awareness of how bullying can affect students’ school experiences. Recent school shootings and the media blitz surrounding these events also contribute to student concern. However, fear in school is also related to community level factors, specifically crime and student experiences within the larger neighborhood. Past research on this topic has not been replicated with current samples that include bullying as well as community level variables. The current study is a partial replication of Schreck and Miller’s (2003) seminal work and seeks to address this gap using a more recent sample of middle school students. By disaggregating community, school, and individual experiences, this study will paint a more inclusive picture of the ways in which student perceptions are understood. Gender and racial differences will also be examined.

Author

• Nadine M. Connell, University of Texas at Dallas