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ALBANY (WNYT) – Bullying and drug-related incidents in New York schools are increasing and have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
The report analyzes seven years of data from the New York State Education Department’s School Safety and Educational Climate report, covering the 2017-2018 through 2023-2024 school years, including schools across the Capital Region.
Bullying was the most frequently reported school safety issue statewide during the 2023-2024 school year, accounting for nearly 62% of all reported incidents. That represents a more than 21% increase since the 2017-2018 school year, following a gradual decline leading into the COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp rise after students returned to in-person learning.
Drug-related incidents in middle and high schools also increased significantly. The report found that those incidents rose nearly 55% over the same period, climbing above pre-pandemic levels after students returned to classrooms. Alcohol-related incidents, however, remained low statewide.
Despite the rise in bullying and drug incidents, the report shows that serious violent and disruptive incidents remain rare. Incidents involving assault, sexual offenses, and weapons possession were near zero during the 2023–24 school year. Those rates have remained low since updated reporting definitions took effect following the pandemic.
The data also shows many schools reported no incidents at all. About 35% of public and charter schools statewide reported zero bullying or cyberbullying incidents last year. Nearly half of elementary schools and about 18% of secondary schools reported none.
Cyberbullying incidents made up a small portion of overall reports, though the comptroller’s office noted those cases may be underreported because they are difficult to detect and track.
DiNapoli said the findings show progress in reducing serious violence but highlight ongoing challenges related to student behavior and school climate.
“Reliable public data about school safety is critical,” DiNapoli said. “It’s disturbing to see the rise in bullying and drug-related incidents, and it shows there is more work to be done to ensure students and teachers feel safe.”
The comptroller’s office said the report can help schools and policymakers identify where additional resources and support may be needed.
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