Violence Among Middle School and High School Students: Analysis and Implications for Prevention

Violence Among Middle School and High School Students: Analysis and Implications for Prevention discusses violent incidents among at-risk middle school and high school students, which often escalate from seemingly trivial events. The type and frequency of these incidents are identified in this study, but the major focus is on such factors as the relationship among the antagonists; the sequence of events in the confrontation, including the "opening moves"; and the goals and justifications cited by the students. Data from assault studies reveal that arguments resulting in violence are a considerable problem for American youths, as both victims and aggressors. The problem is growing, as juveniles' risk of victimization has risen since the mid-1980s, especially among African-Americans.