Violence-related behaviors among high school students—United States, 1991-2003

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, July 30, 2004 by N. Brener, R. Lowry, L. Barrios, T. Simon, D. Eaton

Physical fighting on school property declined significantly, from 16.2% in 1993 to 12.8% in 2003. A similar significant linear trend was detected among all subgroups.

No significant changes were detected in the prevalence of being threatened or injured with a weapon on school property during 1993-2003 overall or among female, male, Hispanic, 10th-, and 12th-grade students. A significant linear increase during 1993-2003 was detected among white and 9th-grade students. Among black students, being threatened or injured with a weapon on school property declined during 1993-1999 and then increased through 2003. Among 11th-grade students, being threatened or injured with a weapon on school property declined during 1993-1999 and then remained level through 2003.

Not going to school because of safety concerns increased significantly, from 4.4% in 1993 to 5.4% in 2003. Not going to school because of safety concerns also increased significantly among female, white, and 11th-grade students. No significant changes were detected during 1993-2003 among male, black, Hispanic, 9th-, 10th-, and 12th-grade students.