Data Shows 2018 Worst Year on Record for Gun Violence in Schools

Data Shows 2018 Worst Year on Record for Gun Violence in Schools

According to data from the US Naval Postgraduate School’s K-12 school shooting database, there were 94 incidents of gun violence in schools this year.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • December 18, 2018

According to data from the US Naval Postgraduate School’s K-12 school shooting database, there were 94 incidents of gun violence in schools this year. This year’s rate of gun violence in schools is a record high since 1970, which is the earliest year covered by the database, and 59 percent higher than the previous record of 59 incidents in 2006.

The database’s homepage notes that it counts “each and every instance a gun is brandished, is fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number of victims, time of day, or day of week.” It pulls its information and data from a variety of sources, including government agencies and media reports.

In addition to tracking the sheer number of gun violence incidents on campuses, the database also tracks deaths; 2018 was also the worst year on record for gun deaths. At press time, 55 people, including the shooter, were killed in school gun violence this year. The second-worst year for school gun deaths was 1993, during which 40 died.

School gun violence this year has sparked discussion of stricter gun laws, especially in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting Feb. 14, in which 17 people were killed. Schools and police departments are also working to implement new and stricter safety and security measures on campuses to prevent violence from ever beginning.

More detailed breakdown and analysis of the US Naval Postgraduate School’s K-12 school shooting database information can be found here.  

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Black Hills State University Takes an Open, Scalable Approach to Video Security

    Black Hills State University recognized the need for a centralized video system to improve campus security and streamline operations. The university sought a solution that could unify its main campus with a satellite location, enable cross-department access, and scale with future growth. By implementing open platform video technology, BHSU laid the foundation for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable security infrastructure. Read Now

  • Pennsylvania School Uses Locked, Rolling Security Grille to Control Spectators, Secure Building

    St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic elementary school that serves students from Pre-K through grade 8. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Jude offers diverse educational programs designed to foster a nurturing and challenging learning environment, and extracurricular activities like sports are an integral part of promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Read Now

  • Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies Modernize Academic and Social Hub

    In spring 2023, the University of Pittsburgh opened the doors to a seven-story west wing addition to Alan Magee Scaife Hall. The medical school building features several updated lecture halls, labs and classrooms. It also includes team-based learning and small group rooms as well as an entire floor dedicated to medical students. This floor is meant for students to congregate, study and build community. Read Now

  • Access Control Trends Continue to Strengthen School Safety Security

    Class period bells have been ringing across campuses for a few months now, but that doesn’t mean the subject of safety was fully settled before the start of the new school year. As one wise person once said, “It’s a journey, not a destination”. That’s why it remains a leading issue among administrators, faculty, students, and communities. Schools are striving to be at the top of their class when it comes to the ability to control access instantly and securely, monitor suspicious behavior accurately and consistently, and respond to threats immediately and effectively. Ultimately, they aim to provide a reassuring, comfortable, and conducive environment for a rich learning experience. These goals apply whether at a community college in Southern California, a major university in Pennsylvania, or a rural K-12 district in Michigan. Read Now

Most   Popular

Webinars