Youth Violence
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NCSL Resources
As awareness of harassment, intimidation and hate in the school setting has grown, state legislatures have begun to address this problem as well. At least 17 states have passed anti-bullying legislation and 23 states considered similar measures in 2002-2003 legislative sessions. To find out more about what states are doing about bullying, see the NCSL resources below:
To see information on what legislators need to know about school violence, the benefits of sharing student information, violence prevention programs that work and what states are doing to address student harassment and bullying, see NCSL's School Violence Series:
Other Resources
Research continues to indicate that adolescent victimization happens frequently at school and can lead to more serious incidents of violence. In 2002, a report released by the U.S. Secret Service concluded that bullying played a significant role in many school shootings and that efforts should be made to eliminate bullying behavior.
A 2003 report, Students Speak Out for a More Civil Society, highlights the extent to which students endure both verbal and physical cruelty at the hands of other students. The report also finds that when middle school students are asked what kind of violence they find most disturbing, they are more concerned with belittling, teasing and bullying behavior that occurs on a daily basis rather than more serious acts of violence.
For more information regarding youth issues, please contact Rochelle Finzel or Qiana Flores in the Denver office at 303.364.7700 or cyf-info@ncsl.org or either Sheri Steisel or Lee Posey in the D.C. office at 202.624.5400 or fedhumserv-info@ncsl.org.
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