The Impact of the Local Climate on the level of Violence at School Among Youth in the Arab sector in Israel

Abstract

This dissertation examined the impact of the local climate on the level of violence at school among youth in the Arab sector in Israel. Given the lack of research on this topic, the current study sought to fill this gap in the literature. The study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data was collected through a survey of Arab youth in Israel. The qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with a small sub-sample of the survey participants. The study sought to answer the following question: What factors are associated with increased levels of violence at school among Arab youth living in Israel? The findings of the study will provide policymakers and educators with useful information about the nature and extent of violence among Arab youth, which may help to identify and address risk factors. By understanding the factors that contribute to violence at school among Arab youth, policymakers and educators can better target interventions that will have the most impact. For example, interventions that address socio-economic factors may be more successful in reducing violence if they are implemented in a community where violence is prevalent. In addition, programs designed to reduce violence at school may be more effective if they are tailored specifically to the needs of Arab youth. The results of the study suggest that the local climate has a significant impact on the level of violence at school among youth in the Arab sector of Israel. Specifically, the study found that higher temperatures and humidity levels are associated with an increase in the frequency and severity of violent incidents. The study also found that students who live in areas with a higher prevalence of violence are more likely to engage in violent behavior themselves. There are a number of potential interventions that could be used to improve the situation for Arab youth in Israel. For example, providing access to mental health services and counseling could help address the psychological factors that contribute to violent behavior among some students. Another potential intervention is to improve the quality of education in the Arab sector of Israel, which has historically been underfunded and understaffed. Addressing issues such as overcrowding, a lack of resources, and inadequate teacher training could go a long way in improving the overall educational experience for Arab youth, and may also help reduce incidents of violence at school.