What Works in School-Based Interventions? A Systematic Review of Evaluation Research

What approaches and methods can be employed that will effectively reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour and of other criminal offending in schools? We report an evidence review involving a search of eight electronic databases from 2010 to 2020. This produced 6331 unique items and a final set of 49 review articles and 116 research studies. Only a small amount of evidence supported direct placement of police personnel in schools risked opening a “school-to-prison pipeline”. It is possible to reduce levels of several types of problems amongst school students, of kinds that are associated with participation in delinquency and adult crime including reduction of bullying, other forms of conflict and aggression, dating and relational violence and risk of involvement in alcohol and drug abuse. School-wide interventions that emphasize social norms emerged more positively than selectively targeted interventions. Disciplinary responses to violations worked best in a positive and supportive school climate rather than responses that emphasized security or punishment. Police services can advise and engage in multi-agency initiatives through liaison roles, highlighting potential links between problems exhibited in schools and the appearance of more serious delinquent activity.