Analyzing Children’s Perception of Violence Through Their Writing

Abstract

Direct exposure to violence affects approximately three out of every five children in America. Using data available from the “Do the Write Thing” (DtWT) Challenge, this study explored children’s views of violence using 1,165 essays written by students from 13 middle schools in nine districts within Region V of Texas. Data analysis from students’ writing found that students wrote more about bullying than other forms of violence. Most children identified themselves as indirect observers or witnesses rather than victims or perpetrators during such instances of bullying. Pairing the anti-bullying campaigns with violence prevention programs could better inform and educate students about the risks and consequences of violence, particularly as they move into late adolescence and adulthood.