CDC COMMUNITY GUIDE: School-Based Programs to Reduce Violence
CDC
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
Universal school-based programs to reduce violence are designed to teach all students in a given school or grade about the problem of violence and its prevention or about one or more of the following topics or skills intended to reduce aggressive or violent behavior: emotional self-awareness, emotional control, self-esteem, positive social skills, social problem solving, conflict resolution, or team work. In this review, violence refers to both victimization and perpetration.
The Task Force on Community Preventive Services recommends universal, school-based programs on the basis of strong evidence of effectiveness in preventing or reducing violent behavior.
The Task Force on Community Preventive Services recommends universal, school-based programs on the basis of strong evidence of effectiveness in preventing or reducing violent behavior.
Results / Accomplishments
Results from the Systematic Reviews:
Fifty-three studies met the systematic review inclusion criteria.
• For all grades combined, the median effect was a 15.0% relative reduction in violent behavior among students who received the program (interquartile interval: -44.2% to -2.3%; 65 study arms).
• By school level, the median effects on violent behavior were as follows.
- High school students: median relative reduction of 29.2% (range: -44.2% to -2.3%; 4 study arms)
- Middle school students: median relative reduction of 7.3% (interquartile interval: -35.2% to 2.3%; 15 studies)
- Elementary school students: median relative reduction of 18.0% (interquartile interval: -44.8% to -2.5%; 26 studies)
- Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students: median relative reduction of 32.4% (interquartile interval not calculated; 6 studies)
• All intervention strategies (e.g., informational, cognitive/affective, and social skills building) were associated with a reduction in violent behavior.
• Programs appeared to be effective in reducing violent behavior among students in all school environments, regardless of socioeconomic status or crime rate.
• Programs were also effective among all school populations, regardless of the predominant ethnicity of students.
Fifty-three studies met the systematic review inclusion criteria.
• For all grades combined, the median effect was a 15.0% relative reduction in violent behavior among students who received the program (interquartile interval: -44.2% to -2.3%; 65 study arms).
• By school level, the median effects on violent behavior were as follows.
- High school students: median relative reduction of 29.2% (range: -44.2% to -2.3%; 4 study arms)
- Middle school students: median relative reduction of 7.3% (interquartile interval: -35.2% to 2.3%; 15 studies)
- Elementary school students: median relative reduction of 18.0% (interquartile interval: -44.8% to -2.5%; 26 studies)
- Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students: median relative reduction of 32.4% (interquartile interval not calculated; 6 studies)
• All intervention strategies (e.g., informational, cognitive/affective, and social skills building) were associated with a reduction in violent behavior.
• Programs appeared to be effective in reducing violent behavior among students in all school environments, regardless of socioeconomic status or crime rate.
• Programs were also effective among all school populations, regardless of the predominant ethnicity of students.
About this Promising Practice
Primary Contact
The Community Guide
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS E69
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS E69
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/
Topics
Health / Prevention & Safety
Education / School Environment
Education / School Environment
Source
Community Guide Branch Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens