The National Criminal Justice Reference Service defines school violence as “any behaviour that violates a school’s education mission or climate of respect or jeopardizes the intent of the school to be free of aggression against persons or property, drugs, weapons, disruptions and disorder” (Almond, p. 20).
The book, School Violence, contains compilations of ideas from different experts and authors. It is organized into 4 chapters: “Is School Violence a Prevalent Problem? ” , “What Factors Contribute to School Violence? ”, “Will Stricter Gun Control Laws Reduce School Violence? and “Will Alternative Juvenile Interventions Help prevent school Violence? ”. There are many aspects to school violence, which the contributors to this novel analyze. Although the authors’ beliefs and proposed solutions may vary, they all share the common goal of “securing safe schools for all students” (Almond, p. 17).
The first issue discussed is the prevalence of school violence and its many forms. A majority of us are familiar with the University of Texas Massacre in 1996, where a sole gunman killed 16 students (Wikipedia, 2010).
Although more extreme incidents (i. e. arrying weapons, sexual assault, bomb threats, etc. ) are reported or heard of in the media, Alan G. Hevesi claims several school administrators do not report incidents or they manipulate the data. Most unreported incidents include physical assault, harassment and burglaries. This is concerning since as students or parents we intend for our children or ourselves to be going to safe, reliable schools whether it is university or elementary. The whole idea is that the schools appear safer than they really are thus creating a better reputation. However, creating a false image does not exactly diminish the violence.
School Violence Violent Crime 2
... students. Training in violence prevention-for other staff such as school bus drivers, as well as teachers-can both make the school safer ... percent of public elementary and secondary school principals reported that one or more incidents of violence that were reported to the police ... of sexual battery, 7, 000 robberies, and 11, 000 incidents of physical attacks or fights in which weapons were ...
As mentioned many cases of bullying go unreported and according to Justin Patchin new technology provides a new form to bullying and “would-be bullies are afforded technology that provides additional mediums over which they can manifest their malice…”(Patchin, p. 28).
It is true that some students are able to cope with several instances, however, others who are tormented may experience more long-term effects such as depression or even in extreme cases, and they commit suicide or a homicide. It is not like there are no means to prevent school violence.
Although some schools are manipulating their data, several administrators, teachers and peers attempt to minimize or prevent school violence by insuring there is no fuel to start the fire. One important fact that Mike Males brings up is that in a population of 50 million school children (in America) there were fewer than 30 violent deaths in 1998/1999 where as everyday approximately 6 children die at the hands of their guardians. With such a wide range of classifications of school violence it is very hard to analyze what type of violence is a prevalent problem or not.
Often the media focuses on the more serious, rare events and not more common cases such as cyber-bullying. If school administrators are hiding or manipulating the truth it is important to identify these schools and ensure that what they are hiding does not develop into something more serious. “Whether the forces that drive kids to violence are biological, pharmacological, or environmental, the authors [in the second chapter] debate the causes and contributing factors to school violence” (Almond, pg. 0).
One interesting factor is violent video games. Video game addiction leads many children to lose focus in school and become consumed in the video game, which furthermore alienates themselves from peers or family. Through studies it has been show that by playing violent games students are become less sensitive to real life violence (O’Connor, pg. 90).
School Violence Girls Bullying Boys
Schoolyard beatings. Racist threats. Recent headlines show that one of the main problems that schools have had for decades is school violence. Violence in schools must be stopped for it is escalating and becoming more severe every year. Violence in schools may result in suicides, injuries to innocent students, and distraction from their school work. Bullying or intimidation is a form of violence ...
This increases the chances that the student is more likely to act out during school. A more commonly known source of school violence is bullying.
It is believable that both that victims of bullies and bullies themselves are lonely and have trouble making friends. Bullies themselves are more likely to engage in bad habits (smoking and drinking) and get lower grades. Both victims and bullies may act out their emotions in a more violent matter depending on the severity of the situation. With bullying in schools it almost always affects attendance, academic achievement and dropout rates. The unfortunate part is that many other students become bystanders and do not know what to say or do to stop the abuse.
By working with students, staff could attempt to create an environment where “every child [has] the opportunity to learn, and to interact with classmates and teachers, in safe environment that facilitates emotional intelligence…”(Thomas, p. 47).
The topic in the third chapter is gun control. Personally, I found the chapter to be excessive. It is probably the most severe form of violence but it is not the most common. The authors should have focused on more common issues like bullying. It is very difficult to relate to because the focus is on laws in the United States.
On the other hand, one author, Craig Medred says that the real problem is the rage not the weapons. When kids get mad at each other they act in violent manners, whether using baseball bats, knives or guns. The source of the violence is the anger. Peer counselors could focus on ways to relieve this anger in troubled students. Medred even went to the extent of saying that teachers should carry guns as well but that is a very daring statement. The solution to violence is not letting teachers be a part of it. They should be mediators who try preventing any altercations.
In the unlikely situation that a violent offender enters the school teachers and students [should be] encouraged to learn at least basic self-defense” (Medreed, pg. 158).
School Violence Schools Students Youth
Violence in Schools Violence among youth, especially in schools, is one of American society's most pressing concerns. It is also a source of controversy. While no recent nationwide study of the real extent of youth violence is available, small-scale and regional studies indicate that youth violence is increasing, at least slightly. In addition, youth, like adults, are now more frequently using ...
The fourth chapter looks at possible solutions for students, who commit violent crimes and debate the need for changes that will help insure a safer school environment. “Students, as well as teachers, need to be taught to recognize, shame, rage and resentment and know the outcome will sooner or later be violence” (Paquette, pg. 187).
The key is to not be missing redictable warning signs. If a teacher sees a student being bullied, making threats or appearing alienated, it is their responsibility to interfere. They must impress on students how harmful teasing and harassing can be. Mary Paquette suggests that a violence education, class similar in the sex education, be introduced and part of the curriculum. By educating students on what occurs in society, the students will better comprehend the consequences of their actions. School Violence is a novel that looks at many aspects of school violence.
Whether looking at the classic types of school bullying, or a rare act of extreme violence there are many things that can be done to prevent it. Both students and teachers need to be aware of the significant amount of resources available. Of the four chapters, the first two are the most relevant in analyzing school violence. It seems school violence is always going to be present. As a country there is not much we can do but as an individual school, staff can work with students and attempt to create a safer environment.
Based on what is known about school violence, students need to be taught to make healthy choices and know the implications of their actions. Using the ideas of several authors, psychologists and experts, Lucinda Almond (the book editor) is trying to show different views to the current controversy of school violence. In my opinion school violence is an issue that should be dealt with. However, I believe the more prominent and common issues such as bullying are what need to be discussed. School violence that deals with guns and assault is much more rare. Although it is certainly a serious matter, it is definitely not as common.
As a future teacher, it would be nice to know what to do in the case of a gunman entering my school but I would be much more interested in how to prevent bullying. Bullying affects many children daily, and I believe it is more important to talk to children about the repercussions of bullying. By possibly minimizing the amount of bullying in schools many children can have a more enjoyable education thus possibly becoming more successful and working to their full potential.
The Essay on School Violence Students Schools One
... school students admitted that they feared becoming victims of school violence. Seven percent of eighth graders have stayed home from school to avoid a bully. ... communities of learning. More teachers and smaller class sizes will minimize school violence associated with classroom overcrowding. ... school violence is more common than ever before. Schools have always been one of the safest places in a child's ...
Overall, I found many topics of this book irrelevant and difficult to relate to. Many points were about American schooling and American gun laws, which are ifferent here in Canada. The points I found important were those concerning cyber bullying, violence in video games and the effect of a child’s home life on their behaviour. School violence can be interpreted many ways, and my interpretation was different then the books editor. There are many aspects to school violence, which the contributors to this novel analyzed but after reading it was evident they focused on issues that I believe are not as significant.
