Homeschool On the Rise: Safety

Homeschool On the Rise: Safety

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Homeschool Rising for Safety & Environment

A well-lit, colorful kindergarten classroom with chairs, tables, and educational materials.

Public and Private School Statistics

According to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES): one of the top three reasons for homeschooling in the last five years has been safety. Over 80% of parents chose safety as one of their primary reasons for making the switch to homeschooling in the past few years. [1] So what does “safety” mean to parents when they are deciding to homeschool? It can mean safety from bullying, harassment, physical harm, exposure to drugs, environmental risk factors and other stressors. Health and well-being go hand-in-hand when it comes to a better life and better learning environment.

Why the Concerns?

As of 2016, more than 1.4 million crimes have occurred across public schools. [2] That can easily equate to more than one incident per school. And much of the research indicates that those numbers may not be complete because they don’t include the smaller unreported incidents. Most of these statistics are the incidents that were violent. The unreported non-violent crimes could prove higher numbers – including knives brought to school, vandalism and bomb threats. [3]

Almost five years later the violence has not decreased. In 2021-2022 alone, a staggering 70,000+ violent incidents were reported in schools across the country.[4] This statistic suggests that an incident occurring within the city or town of a child you know is a higher probability. With higher levels of violence and the dangers, the numbers conclude that homeschooling is indeed trending upwards to provide safety for children. From school shootings, to bullying and other issues arising in the current schools, sending a child into that environment everyday can provide a burdensome amount of stress for both caregiver and child alike.

Not only are violent crimes on the rise in schools across the country but also many other risks and dangers. With social media apart of the everyday culture for most kids of the current generation, forms of bullying are also on the rise. According to the NCES, over 20% of students reported being poorly treated by other students in their schools – and this is both private and public schools. [5] This can be face-to-face mistreatment or online only bullying, harassment and more. The avenues are growing as media and app usage for younger students increase.

How has this influenced homeschooling?

Schoolboy smiling behind a desk with books, pencils, and an alarm clock symbolizing study and creativity.

Homeschooling provides a safe environment for the child and parent for many different situations and lifestyles. In an article from HSLDA, it states how homeschooling provides safety for children with special needs as well. [6] With bullying and harassment on the rise, those who are more prone to bullying such as children with special needs or cultural differences benefit greatly from a stable home environment for learning.

Not only does homeschooling protect children, but it also makes them happier and more well-adjusted. It provides positive mental health and better sleep. [7] The safety and well-being of a homeschool child can involve so many facets of a daily life. With cyberbullying and harassment on the rise, many parents are choosing homeschooling to keep their child safe and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

Safety is one of the top reasons families choose to homeschool. With dangers such as bullying, threats, harassment and violent crimes occurring, families choose to homeschool more. The safety of their own homes for education and lack of safety growing in schools has changed many parents and caregiver’s minds. With no show of decline, it is no wonder that homeschooling is on the rise due to safety and prevention.

Resources & Further Reading

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