Reports of violence at schools in Harrisonburg and Rockingham county are down according to the latest youth data survey.
But the numbers are still alarming.
Katie derrick is taking a look at the numbers for herself.
This mother of two says she can't believe some of the results.
"The kids that had weapons in the schools. I think that was a surprising number to me. I'd like to think that school is a safe place. That's not an issue" said Katie Derrick.
But it can be an issue.
The youth data survey finds that nearly 12 percent of students have carried a weapon to school.
Two percent saying they carried a handgun.
Down slightly from 2009.
Derrick says, "i know it's a reality in places, but i just don't want to believe it's a reality here."
Brandon Buchanan, Max Falero and Nick Sauls looked at the numbers..
All three say they took the survey and aren't surprised by the results.
"you just see it out here. It's out here. For sure." said Buchanon.
"same old, same old you know. Same numbers" said Falero.
"i think the numbers have always fluctuated. Every year, basically." said Sauls.
Although the numbers are down, Sauls thinks bullying is the main reason kids are taking guns to school.
Sauls says "if there's a problem with somebody at school, and it involves bringing a weapon, then somebody's gonna do it. If they have it set on their mind, they're gonna do it."
Katie Derrick is happy to see that the numbers are down.
As a mom, she feels that being aware of what's going on helps.
"if the kids don't feel safe talking to their parents, then who will they talk to?" said Derrick.
The survey is done through the office of children and youth.
The survey is done every two years.

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