Preventing School Violence

Introduction
The increasing incidence of adolescent violence affects both staff and students of all age levels, from preschool to college. Experts cite many causes for this violence (poverty, family breakdown, and racial intolerance), but they all seem to agree on two things: Our culture places too high a premium on violence as the most effective problem solver, and our culture makes guns too easily obtainable.

Experts also seem to agree on two aspects of the solution. All sectors of our society working together can solve the problem. Solutions need to involve students, but the solutions don't have to be highly sophisticated or require massive amounts of money.

Safe homes + safe communities = safe schools
Safe homes begin with parents spending quality time with their children and exhibiting love and caring within the family setting. Children must be taught the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Little can be done if violence is not seen as wrong at home.

The American Psychological Association, in its 1993 report Violence and Youth: Psychology's Responses, states that children who show aggressive behavior early require prompt intervention. According to the report, such early intervention can reduce aggressive and antisocial behavior and can also affect certain risk factors associated with antisocial behavior, such as low educational achievement and inconsistent parenting practices.

Warning signs

Beware if your child is:

Buying (or asking you to buy) an excessive amount of blue, red, green, black, or yellow for their wardrobe.
Wearing sagging pants on hips or waists.
Wearing an excessive amount of gold jewelry.
Using excessive amounts of gang language.
Withdrawing from family members.
Associating with undesirables.
Sleeping later than usual.
Desiring too much privacy.
Developing major attitude problems with parents, teachers, or those in authority.
Starting to drink alcohol or use drugs.
Using hand signs.
Receiving money or articles without your permission.
Acting unusual.

Role of parents and family

Let your children know you like them. Tell your children how much you admire their good qualities. Don't take their good behavior for granted. Remember to reward them once in a while. These rewards may take the form of extra time reading to your child, time spent in an activity chosen by your child, or even something as simple as a hug. Listening to your children, hugging them, smiling or talking with them are all rewards, the kind that you can give hundreds of times every day. One of the most powerful re-wards for children is the love, interest, and attention they receive from their mother and father.
Let your children know exactly what you expect of them - set limits. Children need to know exactly what parents expect of them and also how parents will react to their behavior. It is important to state your requests clearly. Set rules that you think are important and be firm in seeing that your children follow them. Do not make rules you have no intention of enforcing.
Encourage responsible decision-making. If you treat children as responsible individuals, their level of responsibility increases rapidly.
Set good examples. Children are great imitators. While you are telling your children why you think they should not steal, cheat, or be cruel to others, be sure they cannot cite some example of your behavior that contradicts these values.
Encourage your children to respect proper authority. At home, in school, and in other areas of their lives, your children need to know the importance of respecting authority. Certain rules must be followed. Help your children understand that it is harmful to them, as well as to everyone else, to have constant arguments, fights, and problems with peers and adults. Let your children see how their misbehavior affects other people.
Have fun with your children. Young people need to interact with adults. Try choosing a regular time each week to do things as a family. Engaging in sports, playing games, sharing hobbies, visiting museums are some of the many activities that parents and children can enjoy together. In addition, invite your children to join you in some activities in which they may not usually be asked to participate. Also encourage your children to ask questions and to express their own points of view.
Don't give up because consistency will determine the success of whatever method you use. Form a clear objective, then take a few steps at a time in that direction.

Worried about possible gang activity?
Prevention is the key to controlling gang activity.Llook for changes in the behavior patterns such as truancy, a decline in grades, changing of friends, late hours, graffiti in their bedrooms, and other indications of gang involvement.

Suggestions:
1. Hold steadfast to home rules.
2. Schedule quality time with kids - just for them.
3. Require kids to call if they are going to be late.
4. Listen to your child and his/her friends.
5. Communicate with parents of children's friends.
6. Establish school/parent partnerships. Talk to the principal, school counselor, teachers.

Start Neighborhood or Block Watch Programs
A neighborhood that is united and dedicated in a spirit of cooperation toward stopping crime and violence will greatly hamper a gang's efforts to flourish.

Some youth who join or associate with gangs DO NOT dress in the traditional gang clothes and DO NOT exhibit conspicuous behavior that indicates gang involvement. Continual behavior and communication interaction between parents and youth is imperative as a means to prevent gang membership.

Activities:

Take elementary students to college/high school games to promote interest in sports.
Host gang-free parties (kids can't go outside until they are ready to leave.)
Promote Neighborhood Nite Out (block parties)
Promote family activities.

Promoting safe schools is everyone's business

Ensure that firearms and other dangerous weapons at home are inaccessible. Lock them up!
Talk with your children about the consequences of using weapons and violence.
Participate in neighborhood patrols before, during, and after school.
Report suspicious individuals or unusual activity around the campus.
Learn and teach personal safety techniques.
Ensure implementation of a conflict resolution program.
Encourage the formation of a professionally-supervised peer-counseling and peer-mediation program.