Fear of Crime at School: Understanding Student Perceptions of Safety as Function of Historical Context

Abstract

Research on students’ perceptions of fear in school settings has proliferated, specifically as recent school shootings and the media blitz surrounding these events contribute to student and administrator concern. Inquiries into the topic suggest that many of the security protocols utilized by schools, such as target hardening approaches, may have a negative impact on student experiences and increase fear. However, in light of the massive social change experienced by today’s students, through the form of both high-profile school shootings and increased security after 9/11, more recent data are needed to better understand what drives student perceptions. This study explores the role of individual- and school-level predictors of perceptions of student safety. Results suggest that students who are aware of more security measures report higher odds of feeling safe at school. Differences also exist by gender and age. Implications for school security protocols and future research are discussed.