When students feel physically and emotionally secure, they can focus their energy on learning, creativity, and personal growth rather than worrying about their well-being. Nevertheless, school violence is a serious concern that affects educational institutions everywhere.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 67% of schools recorded at least one violent incident in 2021-2022. Preventing campus violence requires a comprehensive approach involving students, faculty, staff, and the wider community. This article describes the various types of school violence and shares ten effective prevention strategies.

What is School Violence?

School violence encompasses acts of physical and psychological aggression that occur on school property. Acts of campus violence include:

• Physical violence (fighting, assaults, use of weapons)
• Verbal abuse and bullying
• Cyberbullying (online harassment among students)
• Sexual harassment or assault
• Vandalism or property damage
• Threats or intimidation
• Gang-related activities

10 Violence Prevention Strategies for Schools in 2025

Preventing violence on campus requires a multi-pronged approach to address student behavior and bolster physical security. The following are 10 ways to prevent school violence:

1. Strengthen Mental Health Resources

Provide accessible counseling services, wellness programs, and support groups to help students manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that could potentially lead to violent behavior. Access to counselors normalizes mental struggles, enables students to discuss their feelings, and may reduce the likelihood of violent outbursts.

2. Improve Physical Security Measures

Implement appropriate security technologies such as controlled access systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency notification systems to react immediately when incidents occur. Modern AI-powered video security systems feature advanced capabilities like weapon detection, violence detection, and facial recognition to counteract potential threats and advanced alert workflows to initiate automated incident response. 

3. Offer Training for Teachers and Staff

Teachers and staff play critical roles in violence prevention. Education and training can help them recognize warning signs and initiate actions to prevent potential incidents. Training should include de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution skills, and comprehensive knowledge of school policies.

4. Create Clear Reporting Systems

Develop easy ways for students and staff to report concerns or suspicious behaviors. Anonymous reporting encourages individuals to come forward without fear of retribution. Knowing that a reporting system is in place may also help deter violence from occurring.

5. Foster Respectful, Inclusive Campus Communities

Some of the root causes of violence are fear, social isolation, and emotional instability. Marginalization can contribute to aggressive acts. To help prevent negative feelings from escalating, build environments where all students feel valued, respected, and connected. Encourage campus-wide commitment to treating others with dignity and taking responsibility for maintaining a safe environment for all.

6. Implement Violence Prevention Education

As a public service to your school community, offer training on conflict resolution, bystander intervention, and ways to recognize warning signs of potential violence. Education raises awareness, builds skills, and empowers communities to take action. The desired end result is a community that can handle conflict in healthier ways.

7. Establish Clear Policies

Develop and communicate well-defined policies regarding threatening behavior, harassment, and violence, with appropriate disciplinary procedures. Anti-violence policies help set clear expectations and promote accountability, encouraging reflection and repair when incidents occur.

8. Build Partnerships with Local Resources

Strong partnerships with local law enforcement, mental health services, and community organizations enhance a campus's ability to respond quickly and effectively to potential threats. These relationships ensure clear communication, resource sharing, and coordinated action during emergencies, helping to prevent and address violence before it escalates.

9. Practice Emergency Response Protocols

Regularly practicing emergency response protocols prepares staff, students, and faculty to act swiftly and confidently in crisis situations. Drills and simulations help identify gaps in safety plans and reinforce roles and responsibilities, reducing confusion and improving outcomes during real-life incidents.

10. Leverage Technology

Tools like surveillance cameras, emergency alert systems, and anonymous reporting apps help identify threats early and keep the appropriate parties informed. Additionally, AI-based camera systems can detect suspicious behavior, proactively identify threats, and give schools a better chance of intervening before a situation escalates.

Protecting Educational Communities

Preventing school violence is an ongoing, long-term commitment to building a culture of safety, awareness, and support. By implementing a combination of proactive strategies—ranging from mental health support to emergency preparedness and technology—schools can create an environment where students and staff feel protected and empowered. When communities work together, they not only prevent violence but also promote a more compassionate, inclusive, and resilient learning atmosphere where everyone can thrive.

For more information about the role of technology in campus protection, download our eBook: Insights to Improving School Safety.