Multi-Faceted Approach Works Best Against School Violence

Apr 6, 2007 3:08 PM

Violence has shaken many schools across the country. More than two dozen school shootings have occurred since the school year began; yet there is hope. Communities are banding together to protect their children. Schools are working on many fronts to curb aggression and keep students out of harm's way.

There is no magic answer to keeping violence out of schools. It requires a multi-faceted effort from administrators, staff, parents and students. Available strategies include peer mediation and conflict resolution training, video analytics in school "hot spots," and teaching students how to use the Internet safely.

Numerous methods are available for defusing conflicts before they erupt.

Teaching conflict-resolution techniques to students and teachers can give them the skills to resolve disagreements, deal with bullies, and cope with other issues that can spin out of control if not addressed quickly.

Schools should teach students ways to "cool down" when angered. Many schools are also training staff members and students as conflict mediators. If a quarrel is escalating, those involved could be brought before a peer counselor as an alternative form of discipline.

The National Crime Prevention Counsel also has developed programs that help students become part of the solution to school violence.

Likewise, Project Citizen's "We the People" program teaches students constitutional responsibility, engaging them in shaping long-term fixes within their own school. The program helps young people learn how to influence public policy.

In the process, they develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance and feelings of political efficacy. Ultimately, the younger we can reach children and give them tools for resolving conflicts, the greater success we will have in preventing violence.

This article is excerpted from "Proactive Prevention," an article in the February 2007 issue of American School & University, a sister publication. To read the complete article, click here

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