Indiana – As we already reported earlier this year, the number of violent crime cases has been on the rise in the past few years in Indiana and the trend continues this year too. According to the latest data, this year might be the year with the highest number of violent crimes recorded in a single year despite the authorities’ efforts to slow down the trend.
Unfortunately, this trend also reflects in students and schools are also recording an increase of violence and aggression among students in schools. This trend was confirmed by both mental health professionals and school district leaders.
According to the latest information, one such incident occurred on September 8 when a student at North Central High School stabbed a classmate, critically injuring him. The most recent incident is surely one of the most serious that happened in months, but is just one among many similar that now happen more often compared to previous years.
“I have seen some increased aggression and it has been significant,” Donald Kite, President of the Washington Township School Board said.
According to Kite who also has grandchildren in the same schools, the aggression in the schools across the state came to a point that is completely unacceptable.
“I want school to be safe. It should be a place where kids can go and they can learn and whatever their challenges, there are people that love and care about them and want to try to do everything that they can to help them,” Kite said. “That is one of the reasons why we simply cannot accept violence.”
Unfortunately, the number of similar cases is increasing and this is now surely a trend now. The district superintendent also released a video footage of the incident addressing the increase of cases.
“The fact is, since we started school we’ve seen an increase in physical aggression by our students,” Dr. Nikki Woodson, Superintendent of Washington Township Schools said.
And the issue is not isolated to any one area.
“I can guarantee you that any mental health professional you talk to, whether it’s here locally, in Indianapolis, or around the state or the nation, are busier than they’ve ever been in their entire career,” Kimble Richardson, a Licensed Clinical Therapist with Community Health Network explained.
What is even more alarming for school and health officials is the fact that they are also seeing an increase in anxiety and depression cases in students, also an increasing trend over the last couple of years.
Richardson added that parents are those who also have to work with their children at home and to spend more time with them.
“Not all families talk openly about feelings or emotions in the house and I think that is so important that you give a voice, put a name to it, and then you say it’s OK to have these feelings. It is not OK to act certain ways about it, and make sure you explain the difference and be a good role model,” Richardson said.
Meanwhile, district leaders are working closely with school police and resource officers where they are focusing on both prevention and support.
