THE FAILURE OF our elementary, secondary and college school systems to recognize and respond to warning signs is one of the saddest stories behind the alarming increase in catastrophic violence.  My research into workplace (and school) violence reveals this in stark and graphic detail, but for the sake of brevity, let’s just say that over 86% of school-place violence could have been avoided if only administrators, teachers, security staff and even parents would have been more observant and proactive in responding to various Signatures of Danger. MAYHAP this systematic lethargy stems from a lack of understanding of the problem.  Maybe not.  Either way, I think a better understanding of the problem will lead to some prophylactic policy changes as well as practical standards on how to deal with these issues.

CAUSES OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE

• A DESENSITIZED (TO VIOLENCE) WORLD VIEW.   Today’s youth seem to have a different perception toward violence.  Perhaps because of violent video games; maybe media coverage of violent crimes; maybe the War On Terror. Who knows for sure?  Truth is, though, kids today often perceive catastrophic violence as a perfunctory part of life.  I recently was involved as a peace officer in a grisly, bloody and tragic gang assassination of three 14-year olds.  I overheard two boys looking at the twisted and mutilated bodies of their friends.  “Man, that sucks,” one boy said to the other.  “How ‘bout me an’ you getting’ us some pizza?”  And that was it.  Man, that really sucks; and, then, hey, how about some pizza.
• EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE WITHIN THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY.
• CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT.
• POOR PARENTING AND A LACK OF INTEREST IN CHILDRENS’ ACTIVITIES.
• PEER PRESSURE TO ENGAGE IN HARASSMENT, BULLYING, ET AL. OF OTHER STUDENTS AND OTHER TYPES OF VIOLENCE, D/A ABUSE, TRUANCY.
• LACK OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS (AND/OR TRAINING, AND/OR POOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION MODELING BY PARENTS, OTHER ADULT ROLE MODELS).
• PERCEIVED LACK OF VIABLE OPTIONS FOR SUCCESS AND NON-VIOLENCE THRU LEGITIMATE MEANS.
• FAILURE TO DETECT AND TREAT CHILDREN EXHIBITING WARNING SIGNS OF BEING TROUBLED, HARASSED, BULLIED, VIOLENT.
• THE EASY ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY OF WEAPONS OF DESTRUCTION IN THE COMMUNITY (HANDGUNS, AUTOMATIC WEAPONS, EDGED WEAPONS, BOMBS).
• “HIGH OCTANE YOUTH.”  CHILDREN, TEENS AND/OR YOUNG ADULTS WHO THRIVE ON ADRENALINE, EXCITEMENT AND WHO SEEK SENSATIONAL ATTENTION THROUGH “SENSELESS” ACTS OF HIGH PROFILE VIOLENCE.

PROACTIVE PREVENTIVE MEASURES

 IN THE NEXT BLOG we will examine some doable measures to recognize and respond to these key factors behind violence.  Some of my suggestions are common sense, based in part on the above factors.  Yet, common sense does not mean that doing what is necessary will be easy.  Nevertheless, I think we can no longer afford to withhold necessary changes because of how difficult, time-consuming or even expensive this undertaking will be.   A quick glance at some of my proposals will include:

SCHOOL SECURITY

• Administrators could launch a comprehensive security assessment.
• School Resource Officers’ role needs to be expanded to include law-related counseling and education to students and staff.  Maybe, combined with probation officers and other resources they can supervise and counsel (“troubled”) students.
• Reporting threats and (potential and real) acts of violence requires an open and non-judgmental climate for students, guardians, parents, etc.  My research shows that the failure to report bizarre and inappropriate behaviors, threats and cascading acts of aggression (most of which resulting in serious acts of violence) was a major contributing factor in school violence.

SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND OTHER STAFF

• Working in collaboration with faculty, the administration has a responsibility to enforce school rules using quick, consistent and appropriate actions.

PROGRAMS FOR SUSPENDED/EXPELLED STUDENTS

MUCH MORE on these and other recommendations in the next blog.

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Posted on December 3rd, 2007 by Harry A Widger
Filed under: Administrators, Bullying, College, Fighting, High School, K-6, Parents, Peer Pressure, People Involved, School Grade Level, School Safety Issues, Security, Shootings, Social skills, Students, Violence