School Violent Victimization and Alcohol Use Among Youth

School violent victimization is a serious public health problem among youth. The present study examined the relationship between school violent victimization and recent alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking among 7th – 12th grade students (N = 54,361) in Greater Cincinnati schools. The PRIDE national survey for grades 6 – 12 was administered to youth in their classrooms. Results indicated that 38.3% of students were involved in school violent victimization. School violent victimization differed significantly based on sex, race, and grade level. A series of odds ratios revealed that school violent victimization was associated with increased recent alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking among students. Findings from the present study may be used by school and community professionals to develop violence and alcohol prevention programs for school youth. Recommendations for future research are included.