#7 Feel Unsafe at School
What?
Key issues visualized by region
9th-12th graders who report that they did not go to school because they felt unsafe at school, or on their way to or from school during the last 30 days.
Feel unsafe at school can be a risk factor. A higher percentage is less desirable.
Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2021. [Data set]
So What?
Explanation of the issue
Feeling unsafe at or on the way to school can make children feel anxious, stressed or sad. Worrying about violence or being bothered by others can make it hard to focus in the classroom, make it harder to do well in school and lessen self-esteem.
The stress of feeling unsafe can lead children to engage in substance use, become violent, or even think about hurting themselves. The fear of violence or accidents while traveling to school may deter children from wanting to walk or bike there, which can lead to not getting enough physical exercise and health issues like being overweight.
Feeling unsafe can impact a child’s desire to hang out with friends or feel close to teachers. They may avoid school events or feel like they cannot trust the people around them. This can make them feel lonely and make their mental health worse.
When children feel unsafe, they may be more likely to skip school or arrive late, which can make it harder to do well in their classes. Missing out on school because they’re worried about safety means they’re missing out on chances to learn and can make it harder for them to do well overall.
Types of Health Outcomes & Behaviors Associated with This Condition
The four Health Outcomes and Behaviors domains are (1) Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol, (2) Safety, (3) Physical and Mental Health, and (4) Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes. Click to see a list of the conditions associated with each domain.
Now What?
Strategies in which either policy, investments, or interventions can impact the issue
These were chosen with an emphasis on the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. This focus was selected to streamline and narrow the range of strategies. When you click on the links, you’ll be redirected to a third-party site.
