Fear of Crime at School

• DOI: 10.1177/1541204016680407
• Author: Nadine M. Connell
• Date: 01 April 2018
• Published date: 01 April 2018
• Subject Matter: Articles

Article

Fear of Crime at School:

Understanding Student

Perceptions of Safety as

Function of Historical Context

Nadine M. Connell

1

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 adminis-

trator 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.

Keywords

fear of crime, schools, school safety, security protocols

In recent years, researchers have attempted to better understand the perceptions of fear among young

people, especially in the school environment (May & Dunaway, 2000; Schreck & Miller, 2003;

Tillyer, Fisher, & Wilcox, 2011). While student perceptions are important in and of themselves,

recent changes in the media attention given to school safety issues have brought this issue to the

forefront (Kupchick & Bracy, 2009; Kupchick, Brent, & Mowen, 2015), making it of great interest

to researchers and school administrators alike. Of particular note is the media perception that school

violence, and school shootings in particular, has been increasing in the last several years. Organi-

zations like Everytown for Gun Safety publish public accounts of school shootings in an attempt to

influence school administrators and policy makers (www.everytownresearch.org), despite the fact

that general school victimization rates have been on a decline for several years (Zhang,

1

Criminology Program, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA

Corresponding Author:

Nadine M. Connell, Criminology Program, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, GR 31, Richardson,

TX 75080, USA.

Email: nadine.connell@utdallas.edu

Youth Violence and JuvenileJustice

2018, Vol. 16(2) 124-136

ªThe Author(s) 2016

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DOI: 10.1177/1541204016680407

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