The Role of Friends on Feelings of Safety and Victimization during School Transitions

• In Event: School Violence, Consequences, and Transitions

Abstract

The transition from elementary school to a middle/high school environment is a seminal event in the life of an adolescent. Research has linked school transition experiences to a number of personal, social, and academic challenges. Building on previous work, this study examines the role that changing peer relationships play in the school transition experience. Using in-depth qualitative interviews with a panel of youth who were in the process of transitioning from elementary school to middle and high school settings, we examine how peers influence feelings of safety before, immediately after, and at the end of the first year in their new school. Results indicated that friends play an important role in shaping student expectations associated with their personal safety at their new school prior to their transition. Ongoing friendships as well as the development of new relationships post-transition were associated with changes in both feelings of safety at school and personal victimization experiences. The paper concludes with a general discussion surrounding school transitions for students and policy implications for teachers, administrators, and policy makers.

Authors

• Daniel Abad, Michigan State University

• Chris Melde, Michigan State University

• Matthew Almanza, Michigan State University

• Matthew Galasso, Michigan State University

• Jennifer Cobbina, Michigan State University

• Justin Heinze, University of Michigan