The Connecticut School Health Survey (CSHS) is conducted biennially and subsequently published by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The Youth Behavior Component (YBC) survey, which gathers information from students in grades 9-12, by randomly chosen classrooms, is the source for this indicator. The question asked of these students since 2005 is as follows: “During the past 30 days, on how many days did you not go to school because you felt you would be unsafe at school or on your way to or from school?”

The most recent survey results available from 2015 indicate that approximately 7% of students missed school because they felt unsafe. White non-Hispanic students were less likely to miss school because they felt unsafe (4.5%) compared to Black non-Hispanic students (10.7%) or Hispanic students (10.5%). This question was first asked in the 1997 CT YRBS, for which the rate for missing school due to safety concerns was 3.0% of students. Over the course of the survey years 2009-2015, the rates of feeling unsafe at school have statistically increased (from 4.9% in 2009 to 6.9% in 2015). The responses from black/African American (non-Hispanic) students and Hispanic students indicated the most notable increases between 2009 and 2015. A student who does not feel safe in their school has been noted as more likely to engage in more risky behavior, specifically carrying a weapon on school grounds. Other school climate related questions are asked on the YBC, including bullying, being physically threatened or injured on school property, having property stolen or damaged on school property, and access to drugs on school grounds. Positive factors are also asked, such as having an adult at school that a student can turn to when they have a problem.

In recent years, legislation has been enacted by the Connecticut state legislature and signed by the governor to improve safety standards and foster a safe learning environment for students in Connecticut. Three Connecticut school districts currently participating in the Safe Schools/Healthy Students State Project. The project is possible through a federal grant award from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The project develops and implements evidence-based programs, effective policies, and innovative strategies that address youth violence and promote the wellness of children, youth, and families. The elements of the project focus on creating safe and violence free schools, as well as promoting mental, emotional, and behavioral health of students and connecting families, schools and communities.

• Department of Public Health
• Department of Education
• Connecticut Association of School Psychologists
• National Association of Social Workers – Connecticut
• Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents

• Utilize ‘Restorative Practices’ in schools
• Implement ‘Street Safe Programs’

Strategies provided by Stamford Youth Services

The data source for this information reported is the the Youth Behavior Component (YBC) of the Connecticut School Health Survey (CSHS).

The YBC is an anonymous and confidential school-based survey of high-school students in grades 9 - 12.