Identify and analyze the different crimes for which students are most at risk for in K-12, include some of the differences in victimization found across elementary, middle school, high schools, and college. why you think these crimes occur within the schools.
Mention at least one crime each that is unique to elementary, middle, and high school. Refer to a case you know of or have read about in the media. Why do you think the crime unique to each school level does not occur at other school levels?
Analyzing and identifying the different crimes students are most at risk for in K-12 education requires considering various factors, such as age, developmental stage, and school environment. While it is crucial to note that each school and community may have unique patterns, the following are some common crimes students can be at risk for and the differences in victimization across different school levels.
1. Elementary School: Bullying
In elementary schools, bullying is a significant concern. Bullying can take various forms, including physical, verbal, and cyberbullying. An example of a case involving bullying is the story of Phoebe Prince, a 15-year-old girl who died by suicide in 2010 after experiencing relentless bullying in her high school. Bullying is less prevalent in higher grade levels as students tend to outgrow these behaviors or the school environment becomes more structured, with policies and interventions in place to address this issue.
2. Middle School: Cyberbullying and Sexual Harassment
In middle schools, cyberbullying becomes more prominent due to increased access to technology and social media platforms. Cyberbullying refers to using electronic communication to harass, intimidate, or threaten others. Additionally, middle schools also witness higher rates of sexual harassment due to the start of puberty and hormonal changes among students. An example of a case in middle school is the case of Amanda Todd, a Canadian teenager who faced relentless cyberbullying and harassment, leading to her tragic suicide in 2012.
3. High School: Drug and Alcohol Abuse and School Violence
As students progress into high school, they become more susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse due to factors such as peer pressure, increased independence, and exposure to a wider social circle. School violence, including assaults and fights, also becomes more prevalent in high schools. For instance, the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 involved two students who carried out a premeditated attack on their classmates and teachers. These crimes occur less frequently in lower school levels because they require a combination of factors such as complex social dynamics, access to substances, and sometimes underlying mental health issues.
4. College: Date and Sexual Assault
In the college setting, a unique risk emerges in the form of sexual assault and date . The combination of increased independence, alcohol consumption, and social interactions in an unmonitored environment contributes to the prevalence of these crimes. A widely reported case is the Brock Turner case in 2016, where he was found guilty of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster near a college campus.
There are various reasons why crimes may be unique to specific school levels. These include the differences in developmental stages, increased exposure to new environments, changing peer dynamics, and the presence or absence of appropriate preventive measures or support systems in place. It is important to note that these crimes can occur across multiple school levels, but their prevalence and specific manifestations may vary due to contextual factors.
To further understand the unique crimes for each level and explore more specific cases, it is recommended to conduct research using academic articles, news reports, or statistics from relevant institutions or organizations that focus on student safety and crime prevention in education settings.