Prevalence of carrying a weapon and related behaviors in urban schoolchildren, 1989 to 1993

Article Abstract:

Substantial percentages of urban middle-school children may be carrying lethal weapons, and the number may increase as they grow older. A group of 1,714 urban children aged 11 through 14 responded to an series of questionnaires given annually at their school from 1989 to 1993. Boys were more likely to carry lethal weapons than girls at all ages and throughout the time period. However, the gap narrowed with age. In 1993, 15% of girls and 22% of boys reported carrying a weapon. Carrying a stick among younger children was replaced by carrying a knife or a gun among older children. The incidence of boys reporting starting a fight and children reporting throwing something at someone or sticking them with something sharp rose over the time period. Among the 822 children responding every year, those carrying sticks in 1991 were 12 times more likely to carry a gun in 1992 compared with noncarriers.

Behavior, Aggressiveness (Psychology) in children, Childhood aggressiveness, Elementary school students

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Fears and other suspected risk factors for carrying lethal weapons among urban youths of middle-school age

Article Abstract:

Fear may motivate some middle school children to carry a lethal weapon for protection. Researchers surveyed 1,131 public school children in grades 6-8 about their fears, worries, and protection strategies. Seventeen percent of youths reported carrying a knife, blade, gun, or other lethal weapon for self-protection during the previous year. Those who carried weapons for defense were more likely to fear crowds, closed-in places, or leaving home alone. Efforts to reduce defensive weapon-carrying by youths should focus on lessening fear as well as aggression.

Safety and security measures, Children, Fear in children, Childhood fear, Self defense (Personal safety), Urban youth, Self-defense for children

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The epidemiology of adolescent inhalant drug involvement

Article Abstract:

Inhalant abuse by teenagers has increased and many have been abusing them for years. Researchers analyzed the abuse of aerosols, cleaning fluids, gas, glue and spray paint among 34,826 teenagers 12 to 17 years old between 1990 and 1995. The use of inhalants increased during this period, especially the use of aerosols and glue. Non-Hispanic whites were more likely to abuse inhalants than other races. Up to half of the teens reported using more than one inhalant. More than half had been using inhalants for two years or more.

Statistics, Teenagers, Youth, Drug use, Solvent abuse, Inhalant abuse, Glue-sniffing, Glue sniffing

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