School shootings during 2013-2015 in the USA
Bindu Kalesan1, Kinan Lagast2, Marcos Villarreal3
1Center for Translational Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Research, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Summary
School shootings in the USA were less frequent in states with stricter firearm background check (BC) laws, higher mental health expenditures (MHE), increased K-12 education expenditure (KEE), and greater urbanicity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Criminology
- Educational Policy
Background:
- Limited data exists on factors associated with school shootings in the USA.
- Public discourse often suggests potential links, but empirical evidence is scarce.
- This study investigates key policy and risk factors in relation to school shootings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize school shooting incidents in the USA from 2013-2015.
- To explore associations between firearm policy, educational policy, and epidemiological risk factors and school shootings.
- To provide empirical support for public and policy discussions.
Main Methods:
- Searched LexisNexis for school shootings between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015.
- Extracted data on background check (BC) laws, per capita mental health expenditures (MHE), K-12 education expenditure (KEE), and urbanicity.
- Utilized negative binomial regression models to assess unadjusted associations.
Main Results:
- 154 school shootings were documented between 2013-2015.
- Background check (BC) laws for firearm purchase were associated with fewer shootings (IRR=0.55).
- Higher per capita MHE (IRR=0.58), KEE (IRR=0.09), and urbanicity (IRR=0.97) were also associated with reduced shootings.
Conclusions:
- States with comprehensive BC laws demonstrate lower rates of school shootings.
- Increased investment in mental health services (MHE) and education (KEE) correlates with fewer incidents.
- Higher urban population density is linked to a decreased likelihood of school shootings.
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