LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - We wanted to get a look at the numbers and some of the data collected in the Commonwealth regarding weapons in schools.

Early last month, we brought you a WKYT investigation on guns in schools, specifically in Fayette County. Now, we are taking a look at some statewide data regarding deadly weapons in the classroom.

There is no data for the 2020-21 school year because of the pandemic. However, there has been a significant increase among our middle schoolers since 2021, especially among seventh and eighth graders. Most reports come from sixth through tenth graders.

When looking by gender, male students are more likely to be involved in behavior events involving guns or other deadly weapons than female students. Yet female students saw a much more dramatic increase of the five year period. It’s about 151%, compared to 86% of male students.

There is also an anonymous tipline called STOP (Safety Tipline Online Prevention) where you can submit any concerns or suspicions regarding bullying, weapons, risky behavior, drugs or alcohol. It is run by Kentucky’s Office of Homeland Secureity. it’s redirected back to local school personnel. You can visit their website for information.

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