While violence prevention education has increased in U.S. schools, only 1 in 10 schools today require violence prevention discussions in class, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition at the Orange County Convention Center.
Chloe Gao, MD/PhD Candidate and lead research author on "Implementation of Educational Programming and Policies to Prevent Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Violence in US Schools, 2008-2020," studied data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from principals and health education teachers regarding efforts their schools made to prevent bullying, sexual harassment and violence. "Bullying, sexual harassment, and violence can create hostile school environments that negatively impact students' academic performance, health, and developmental outcomes," Gao said. "Some students drop out of school in order to avoid these situations, a choice that impacts them for the rest of their lives.
" Two in 3 schools in the U.S. reported at least one violent incident from 2021-2022.
A total of 2,718 schools were included in the data where Gao found 2 out of 5 schools didn't provide families with information on bullying and sexual harassment. Data further showed that the availability of anti-bullying and sexual harassment educational materials remained low, ranging from 56.2% in 2008 to 61.
4% in 2020. With children spending most of their time in school, the setting provides a unique c.
