High School Youths, Weapons, and Violence: A National Survey

Recent incidents involving gun-related violence among youths in school settings have sparked fear and outrage in communities throughout the United States. The NIJ Research in Brief, High School Youths, Weapons, and Violence: A National Survey, examines the extent to which a national sample of male high school sophomores and juniors was involved in, or otherwise affected by, firearms-related activity. The majority of students surveyed did not possess weapons, and the vast majority did not carry them outside the home. Most respondents gave protection as the primary reason for carrying or possessing a firearm, not criminal activity or status enhancement. Results of the study indicate that communities should be exploring policy initiatives that identify and address the antecedents of weapon-related activity among their youths.