#11 Threatened/Injured with Weapon at School
What?
Key issues visualized by region
9th-12th graders who report that they were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property during the past 12 months.
Threatened or injured with a weapon 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
When children are threatened or injured by a weapon at school, it can affect not only their physical health, but also their mental health.
Physical injuries may include cuts, bruises, broken bones, or even more serious injuries leading to long-term health problems.
The traumatic experience of being threatened or injured by a weapon can make a child feel anxious, sad, or worried. It can cause chronic anxiety, bad dreams, or depression. These mental health issues can make it hard for a child to function normally in daily life.
Children who have been threatened or injured by a weapon at school may experience heightened emotional distress, including feelings of helplessness, anger, or sadness. These emotional responses can affect their relationships with others, their self-esteem, and their ability to cope with stress.
Experiencing violence at school can make it difficult for children to focus on their work and do well in their classes. It might make them fall behind in school, get lower grades, or not want to try as hard.
Some children may turn to substance use or engage in risky behaviors as a way to cope with the trauma of being threatened or injured by a weapon. But this can just make things worse and cause them more problems 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.
