Aggressive behavior of students in Brazilian public schools: an analysis using a fixed-effect logit model

Abstract:

Interpersonal aggressions are becoming more frequent in Brazilian schools and, besides physical damage, they may affect student performance and social development. Individuals and the environment where youths live can influence their behavior. The goal of this paper is to analyze the effect of school environment on the students' violent behavior. A fixed effect logit model was estimated using a panel data of primary schools observed in Prova Brasil 2007 and 2009. The results showed that when there are violent features, such as crimes against property, persons, drug trafficking or gang activity, the probability of having students behaving aggressively is larger. Furthermore, the possibility of observing at least one assault committed by a student is 3.54 times higher in schools where a teacher displayed the same kind of behavior. To improve socialization among students we recommend extracurricular activities, and also using a grade criterion when dividing the classes.

Keywords:
violence; school environment; fixed effect logit model