Safety

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School safety is defined as schools and school-related activities where students are safe from violence, bullying and harassment, and the influence of substance use.

Safe schools promote the protection of all students from violence, exposure to weapons and threats, theft, bullying and harassment, the sale or use of illegal substances on school grounds, and other emergencies.  School safety is linked to improved student and school outcomes. In particular, emotional and physical safety in school are related to academic performance. At the same time, students who are victims of physical or emotional harassment or who are involved in the sale or use of illegal substances on school grounds are at risk for poor attendance, course failure and school dropout.

Featured Resources

State Report on the Implementation of the Gun-Free Schools Act (GFSA): U.S. States and other Jurisdictions 2021-22 School Year

The SY 2021–22 report describes the GFSA review process and results and includes a summary of how the quality of data submissions improved as a result of the data review and feedback process with states. The report also summarizes compliance with GFSA reporting mandates and data on firearm incidents for SY 2021–22 and includes detail about the number of incidents reported by student grade level, weapon type, and disciplinary action resulting from violations of the law.

Preventing and Addressing School Violence Webinar Miniseries

Offers a series of webinars focused on evidence-based practices to prevent and address gun violence in school communities, including providing support and utilizing systems to prevent violence incidents; embedding comprehensive gun violence prevention into emergency operations plans; responding to violent incidents and implementing interventions; and supporting students and staff in recovery after a violent incident.

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Outlines resources for addressing crises that occur in schools and school communities, and how to move forward in the aftermath of these crises.

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Presents a list of resources to support mental health during world crises. 

youth risk behavior survey

Provides an overview of the most recent data on health behaviors and experiences among high school students in the United States. Some of the key trends presented on adolescent health and well being include: sexual behaviors, substance use, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, mental health, and school connectedness.

Blue Campaign

Provides information to support school resource officers to recognize signs of and report suspected human trafficking. In addition, offers strategies to ensure potential victims or impacted students get connected with appropriate providers and support. 

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American Institutes for Research

U.S. Department of Education

The contents of the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments Web site were assembled under contracts from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools to the American Institutes for Research (AIR), Contract Number  91990021A0020.

This Web site is operated and maintained by AIR. The contents of this Web site do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the U.S. Department of Education nor do they imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.

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