Newswise — Did you know the rising link between absenteeism, social media, and gun violence is fixable?
Why it matters:
In some Virginia localities, chronic absenteeism is reaching epidemic levels. There is considerable research into what causes absenteeism and how to address it, including targeted investments in helping kids feel safe, including mitigating exposure to violence in person and on social media. The stakes are critical and have an economic component, as chronically absent high schoolers are far more likely to experience long-term joblessness and poverty.
- “You can’t understand gun violence if you don’t understand fear. The same is true with absenteeism.” – Trae Watkins
- “We know that social media directly contributes to gun violence among marginalized young people in gun violence hotspots.” – Andy Block
- “It’s easier than ever for scared kids to stay home from school, and I see every day how that leads to a cycle of isolation, social media, exposure to violence and a future of poverty.” – Trae Watkins
- “It used to be bullied kids could go home and find an escape, but now because of social media, the cyberbullying is so pervasive and constant, it never ends. That only makes it harder to go to school.” – Andy Block
- “Just like how athletes play for their coach, kids will want to pour into a school that has poured into them. ‘If a teacher believes in me, I want to show up.’” – Trae Watkins
Interviews
- Andy Block – Professor, University of Virginia School of Law
- James “Trae” Watkins – Youth Development Strategist, Co-Director of the Good Gangs – Lynchburg, Virginia
Or contact [email protected] to set up an interview.
Story angles for consideration
- The factors and outcomes angle: Absenteeism is a key driver of two key outcomes – gun violence and cycle of poverty from lack of education — and in nearly all cases, young people’s sense of fear is the underlying ingredient. Why are teens afraid to go to school, and what happens when they stay home? Do people and politicians know also that there are repeatable programs and solutions that are ready to scale?
- The community investment angle: Districts like Hampton show that disadvantaged school districts can and do regularly overcome the absenteeism issue that is prevalent and somehow still rising in some specific communities. How can districts, local governments, and families learn from those districts and communities?
- The social media angle: If kids stay home from school, chances are they’re scrolling on social media, where they witness and/or experience cyberbulliolent content, or even find online markets for firearms. What are some tools or practices for protecting young people from both virtual and physical violence?
- Role of work-from-home jobs: Since Covid, more parents and family members are working from home, creating an opportunity for absenteeism among teens – often those fearful of going to school – who before Covid would in many cases not have been allowed to stay home.
- The amphitheater: Conflict can arise very quickly and, without resolution, may turn violent. within seconds so it’s visible in other schools, districts, and cities — inviting others to engage. If kids are regularly seeing violence in their schools and among their peers, how might anxiety contribute to absenteeism?
Recent report on Virginia youth gun violence
- “In Their Own Voices” – UVA School of Law – Block, Watkins, and Lucy Guarnara
- Nearly all youth gun violence in Virginia occurs in a community already known to experience gun violence
- There is an identifiable relationship with absenteeism and social media
- The combination of known sources and vetted remedies suggests this issue is intrinsically solvable.
- Example quotes from young people and mentors:
- “So if you’re scrolling Instagram or TikTok constantly and you’ve seen a hundred videos of people just being careless with weapons, being careless with each other’s lives, and you’re just going to pick that up and it just repeats over and over. Your brain just attaches to that.” – Age 21, Lynchburg
- “And a lot of young boys, they tend to carry guns and feel like they need to be protected… They feel like that’s the only way to solve a problem.” – Age 16, Roanoke love you and you can do it.” – Age
The bottom line
Chronic absenteeism in the wake of Covid is reaching epidemic levels in Virginia and elsewhere in the U.S., and it represents a key source youth gun violence and joblessness in adulthood. The causes are identifiable and the proven responses are within reach, including community-school partnerships to foster youth safety and curbing the spark and fuel of violence on social media, including access to firearms.
The experts
Andrew Block, JD – Professor of Law and Director of the State and Local Government Policy Clinic, University of Virginia School of Law; Former Director, Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. Can speak to juvenile justice, gun violence prevention and policy. [email protected] | (434) 243-4320
James “Trae” Watkins III – Youth Development Strategist, Co-Director of the Good Gangs program in Lynchburg – Can speak to youth development, mentoring at-risk youth, factors driving fear and absenteeism, community-based interventions, social media and violence. [email protected] | (434) 401-3255
