The Role of Greenness of School Grounds in Student Violence in the Chicago Public Schools

Abstract

Given that greener neighborhoods have reduced reports of physical and verbal conflict, greenness on school campuses may be instrumental for addressing young people's behavioral issues and creating safe school environments. Utilizing data about students’ violent behaviors in the Chicago Public Schools, this study examines the potential impacts of greenery within a 100 m radius from Chicago primary and secondary schools on the frequency of offenses. This study finds that greater school greenness, measured using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, results in an increase in both non-weaponed and weaponed attacks and threats at K-12 schools.