BOBBEE BEE: PREVENTING SCHOOL VIOLENCE

We have witnessed a disturbing trend in violence and threats of violence in our nation’s schools. The causes behind each of these incidents are unique and complex, and there are clearly no simple answers or magical solutions. However, there are some common sense steps that schools, communities and families can take to help keep our children safe and reduce the risk of future tragedies.

Such steps include:

1.Identity kids with problems.
Most kids who behave violently in school have a long history of emotional and behavioral problems. In many cases, signs and symptoms of trouble have existed for years. We know a lot about the early warning signs and situational risk factors which can lead to violent behavior. They include: intense anger, suicidal thoughts and actions, impulsiveness, history of abuse or neglect, drug or alcohol abuse, fire-setting, preoccupation with violent or morbid themes or fantasies, bullying, stealing, social isolation, excessive interest in weapons or explosiveness, family problems, depression, recent loss, disappointment, low self-esteem

2.Reduce class sizes.

In large class, it’s harder for the teacher to really know and monitor kids as closely. Smaller classes allow more contact between the teacher and each child. As a result, kids with significant problems are more likely to be identified early.
3.Reduce access to guns.

We have to get much more serious about limiting the overall access kids have to guns. This includes age limits on the purchase of guns and ammunition, mandatory triggers locks, increased penalties for illegal sales.

4. Promote tolerance and teach conflict resolution.

Starting at an early age, schools need to help kids value each other’s differences. We also need to teach kids how to resolve conflict without violent or aggressive behavior. Such programs should be implemented in the earliest grades and reinforced throughout school.

5.Eliminate bullying. Children should be to go to school without fear of harassment. Bullying creates lifelong problems with self-esteem, and it interferes with learning and school performance. It can also lead to depression and, occasionally, aggressive behavior or violent retaliation.
6. Provide access to mental health care.

We need to do whatever we can to remove barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care. Receiving services in a school-based health center may be easier than going to a private office or a community clinic.
7. Improve awareness and communication.

We need to educate kids about the sign and symptoms of mental illness, and encourage them to seek help when needed. We also need to teach our kids to tell us when their friends need help. As we’ve learned, most kids will tell someone before attempting suicide or engaging in violent or dangerous behavior. When kids hear such boasts, threats, or warnings, they need to tell a responsible adult. They should not be put in the position of deciding whether the threat is “serious” or not.

8.Develop peer support programs.

Kids benefit from the opportunity to spend time in a group talking in a preventive manner with other kids about their thoughts, feelings and frustrations. Many kids feel isolated and that they are the only ones with problems. Peer support groups provide an opportunity for kids to learn that others are dealing with similar issues and experiences. Such groups can also serve as another early warning system for identifying kids who are particularly vulnerable, fragile, or troubled.
9. Expand access to drug and alcohol treatment.

We need to intensify our efforts to address the problem of child and adolescent drugs and alcohol abuse. We need to identify kids with problems as early as possible, and make sure they get the help they need. We also need to expand our drug education efforts in the early grades, and strictly enforce laws concerning the purchase or possession of alcohol by minors.10. Enhance parent and community involvement

Some people may say that the job of a school system is to teach kids, not to deal with “social issues.” But our schools are not and cannot be isolated from the social issues which face children in today’s world. We will do better if the schools confront and address their issues head on and help kids figure out how to deal with real life problems. In addition, we need to broaden our definition of education. We need to educate kids for life, not just for test taking, college admissions or future employment. We need to teach them social skills and help them learn how to cope with success and failure, frustration, and disappointment. By doing so, our educational efforts will ultimately be more successful.

Individually, none of the above suggestions will solve the problem of school violence. But collectively, they would represent a significant shift in the philosophy and orientation of our educational system. Our schools are full of troubled kids. By working together, parents, teachers, and communities can develop effective strategies to identify kids who need help, and intervene as early as possible. Such an approach would ultimately lead to safer schools and a better educational experience for our children.
Written by David Fassler, M.D is a board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist
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