Understanding the Latest NYC School Safety Data
Parents across New York City deserve clear, reliable information about school safety, bullying, violence, and student injuries. The New York State Office of the Comptroller’s (OSC) 2026 report on Violent and Disruptive Incidents and Bullying in New York Schools — based on the School Safety and Educational Climate (SSEC) dataset — provides one of the most comprehensive looks yet at these trends.
Key School Safety Trends in NYC
- Bullying Rates Are Rising After the Pandemic
Bullying remains the most frequently reported type of school incident across the state — and in NYC the surge is especially notable. In the 2023–24 school year:
- NYC schools saw reported bullying incidents more than double from 10.5 per 1,000 students (2019–20) to 25.8 per 1,000 students.
This includes both traditional bullying and bullying that affects student well-being, attendance, and academic performance.
- Cyberbullying Is Present But Likely Underreported
Although cyberbullying incidents appear low in official SSEC figures (about 1.8 per 1,000 students statewide), experts note many digital harassment incidents go unreported due to anonymity and detection challenges.
That means just because cyberbullying isn’t always captured in state data doesn’t mean it’s not affecting NYC students.
- Drug-Related Incidents Have Increased
After the pandemic, drug-related reports among secondary school students climbed above pre-COVID levels, though NYC’s reported rate remains lower than upstate schools.
Even if a student isn’t physically harmed, incidents involving drugs can lead to unsafe environments or injuries that families may need help navigating legally.
- “Serious” Violence Appears Lower
Data showing a drop in serious incidents like assault or weapons possession might sound reassuring but it’s largely due to changes in reporting criteria implemented in 2021.
Under the revised rules, schools only report serious incidents if:
- The student is at least 10 years old,
- The act qualifies as a felony, and
- It was referred to law enforcement.
So many harmful or dangerous situations including fights, threats, or injuries that didn’t meet the felony threshold may not show up in these official statistics.
What the Data Doesn’t Always Capture
Here’s what some local voices and community surveys suggest about NYC school safety:
- Students report feeling unsafe due to harassment or bullying, with many saying these problems are common.
- Weapons and dangerous items are seized at NYC schools often, even if official incident reporting categories don’t always list them.
This highlights a critical reality: official data may understate the true level of risk or harm students face.
When to Contact a NYC Personal Injury Lawyer
If your child has experienced any of the following, contact a personal injury lawyer today:
- Physical injury due to a fight, assault, or altercation at school
- Bullying or harassment that led to medical treatment, PTSD, or significant emotional harm
- Injuries from unsafe conditions, lack of supervision, or negligent security
- Harassment via cyberbullying causing documented harm
A New York City personal injury attorney can help you understand:
- Whether the injury or harmful event could have been prevented
- If the school district followed state reporting and safety plan requirements
- Whether negligence or failure to protect students warrants a legal claim
Why School Safety Reports Matter for Legal Cases
Official school safety data like the SSEC report helps uncover patterns but it also shows limitations in what schools are required to report.
That’s why if a student is hurt and a family is considering legal action, it’s important to go beyond statewide reports and examine individual incident records, local documentation, and safety policies at the specific NYC school.
Safety, Awareness & Action
NYC parents searching for “school safety statistics NYC 2026” or “NYC student injury lawyer” need clear, accurate information and a legal advocate who understands how state reporting intersects with real school conditions.
If your child was injured, harmed, or negatively affected by violent or disruptive school incidents including bullying or harassment, contact a trusted New York City personal injury attorney at Jacoby & Meyers to explore your legal rights.