Even with all the new security mandates, schools across Texas are still experiencing violence. From bullying to guns fired, the sense of security we long for in our schools has been challenging at best and quickly disintegrating at worst. 

The National Center for Education Statistics found that almost 20% of students during the 2021-22 school year reported being bullied. That number is actually much higher, as only half of the kids bullied report it to an adult, according to the National Bullying Center. In extreme cases, this action can cause children to act out and hurt others or themselves. Studies also show that students exposed to bullying experience more stress and depression and tend to be undisciplined.

A high school in McAllen went into lockdown in March 2024 when an altercation resulted in one student heading to the hospital and another taken into custody. From about 2018 to 2021, the number of violent crimes increased by 33% in McAllen, TX. 

Whether we’re looking at an increase in guns or the continued rise in bullying, it’s clear that the continued search for the underlying cause and the possible solutions to school violence needs to continue. One of the advancements in this arena is using security cameras with AI learning and enhanced video analytics technology.

Let’s explore how some schools throughout Texas use these cameras to reduce violence in their schools.