2011 Volume 19 Issue 4 Pages 289-301
Objective: This paper intended to clarify grade and sex differences in safety consciousness as well as knowledge, behavior and actual state concerning crime prevention in primary school students.
Methods: At the beginning of 2009, cross-sectional surveys were conducted at 51 primary schools in Japan. A total of 17,721 students (the number of valid responses was 17,599 including 8,684boys and 8,915 girls, respectively), ranging from 1 to 6 graders participated. The surveys consisted of a list of printed questions including 36 survey items concerning safety consciousness, knowledge and behavior for crime prevention. Grade and sex differences were compared using the Chi-Square Test.
Results: Children in the lower grade tended to make ideal responses. Safety consciousness concerning daily life in girls (such as desirable answer in Q25, 67.6%) tended to be higher than that in boys (32.2%). On the contrary, abilities for coping with accidents in girls (such as Q11, 76.5%) tended to be lower than those in boys (83.3%). Approximately, 15% of children (15.8% in boys, 15.7% in girls) had experience concerning trouble with strangers.
Conclusion: The distinct grade and sex differences were observed in connection with safety consciousness as well as knowledge and behavior. Upper graders and boys should be taught to observe regulations more than ever. Appropriate education taking grade and sex differences intoconsideration are important at a primary school level.
