According to a recent study, students who witness violence in school at the age of 13 are at later risk of psycho-social and academic impairment later in life.
As part of the study, researchers statistically tested the relationship between witnessing school violence in Grade 8 and subsequent antisocial behaviour and academic adjustment in Grade 10. They also compared the relative contribution of different forms of witnessing school violence and compared them to experiencing violence directly over the long term.
Michel Janosz, one of the lead researchers said, "The Quebec cohort was ideal because we had psychological information on the students before witnessing the violence and this really makes a big difference scientifically in terms of rigor. There was less interference from confounders and other plausible explanations. Plus, we were able to follow up with the students a couple of years later - a huge advantage."
Co-author Linda Pagani added, "There were several take-home messages. First, witnessing school violence in Grade 8 predicted later impairment at Grade 10. Second, bystander effects were very similar to being victimized by violence directly."
In their study, the researchers examined different forms of violence. Witnessing major violence (physical assaults, carrying weapons) was associated with later drug use and delinquency. The effect was the same for hidden or veiled violence (theft and vandalism). On the other hand, witnessing minor violence (threats and insults) predicted increases in drug use, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and decreases in engagement and participation at school.