Violence among the youth is a huge issue throughout our nation. It is a problem which risks and even endangers the lives of both participants, as well as innocent victims. Violence in schools will continue to be a problem unless adequate preventive measures are taken. According to the CDC Fact sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), a nationwide survey revealed that 33% of high school students had been in at least one fist fight within the preceding 12 months. A shocking 17% admitted to carrying a weapon on one or more of the 30 days preceding. These numbers are at an alarming high. It is unsettling to imagine the danger today's youth face at school. School should be a place where students can feel safe, not endangered or threatened.
I have personally witnessed school violence at it's fullest. While attending a school basketball event, a disagreement between two rival schools broke out. I was perplexed to see just how quickly things got out of hand. A shouting match escalated into a fight involving weapons. I found it troubling that a couple unruly teenagers were able to endanger so many other students. Due to poor security and even lack of, the police were called in. One of the boys involved left the school in an ambulance. I went home that night wondering why this problem was not avoided all together.
There are many consequences that come with school violence. Aside from causing injury and even death, students are less apt to retain knowledge in unhealthy social environments. There is an increase in the cost of health care, and productivity is reduced. On a larger scale, there is a decrease in property values in the surrounding area.
Violence in our schools demands that everyone plays a role in solving this public issue. Teachers, parents, communities, and ever other students can have a hand in decreasing and eventually eliminating violence. Elizabeth Dole summarized what many of us feel regarding this issue. "Violence in our schools can never be tolerated. When children pass through the schoolhouse door, they should find safety, not violence". As concerned beings, we should work towards creating a safer environment.