School Violence & Prevention

School violence & Prevention

Ricky Shanklin

November 21, 2016

Dr. Rich

        Violence in the school systems has existed for a very long time. School violence consist of fights, vandalism, shootings, and any act that physically or mentally hurts another child. Any of these acts should be taken very seriously, even among kindergarten children. Recently the level of crime in schools has risen. Through the past five years America has been frightened by the pictures of children killing other children. On April 20, 1999 Americans watched in fear as two Columbine High School seniors opened fire on their schoolmates. Remaining today is one question about the violence in schools. What makes children kill other children? There are four primary causes for this violence; media, home environment, school systems, and bullying.

        Media attention has soared in the past twenty years. Most people would state the reason behind this is increased technology. Before computer games, MTV, and even extensive action movies violence among children was at a low rate (Anderson, C. A.; Bushman, B. J., 2001). Since the takeoff of these activities children have turned out to be more mindful of inflicting pain on other children (Scheckner, S.; Rollin, S. A.; Kaiser-Ulrey, Cheryl; Wagner, R., 2002). The media has taught children to take out their anger in a negative way. These children can't comprehend the difference amongst reality and fiction. When they see a person killing someone else for no particular reason they don't comprehend the consequences. Children don't comprehend when you shoot a person they may die. Their brains are unable to perceive the idea of death. Children may feel that they are not getting enough attention (Scheckner, S.; Rollin, S. A.; Kaiser-Ulrey, Cheryl; Wagner, R., 2002). The child may do an act of violence to get the attention they need. In the minds of children they will get the attention they need, however don't comprehend the results that come afterwards.

        Despite the fact that our culture expects that the family will be able to deal with childhood issues, contemporary society makes it difficult for parents to address every one of their children's issues. The current economy, for instance, frequently requests that both parents work; more children are raised by single parents including teenage moms; and a few children are subjected by their parents to neglect or physical, sexual, and substance abuse. In a perfect world, parents support and reinforce positive behavior (Olweus, D., 1991). At the point when parents neglect to do as such, children may create negative and often violent behavior patterns. What's more, neglectful or abusive family situations can repress the improvement of communication skills; self-esteem can be seriously damaged. In homes where positive behavior is not the norm, exposure to violence through pop culture may have a more significant impact (Olweus, D., 1991).

        Recent research has connected the school environment to school violence. Teacher assaults are connected with a higher percentage male personnel, a higher extent of male students, and a higher proportion of students getting free or decreased cost lunch (a pointer of poverty) (Olweus, D., 1991).  In general, a huge male population, higher grade levels, a background marked by elevated amounts of disciplinary issues in the school, high student to instructor ratios, and an urban area are identified with violence in schools. In students, s academic performance is inversely related to antisocial conduct (Olweus, D., 1991). The examination by Hirschi and others, is also reliable with the view that lack of attachment to school is connected with increased danger of antisocial behavior.

        One of the effects of bullying is that it can change the victim's personality. It can bring about individuals who are normally happy to wind up hesitant, timid, and uncertain. Additionally, victims of bullying may also get to be depressed. Their confidence may totally vanish, keeping them from trying new things or trusting individuals. Once a person has been bullied, they may hesitate to take part in situations where he or she may be criticized, for example, public speaking or in sports. A bullying victim might even begin to possess previously absent anxious behavior.

In spite of all the negative effects of bullying, there are even much more serious outcomes. Individuals who have been bullied here and there turn out to be so upset, frightened, or discouraged that they see no worth in themselves and no chance to get out of their torment. There have been innumerable reports in the course of recent years of student’s committing suicide since they were bullied. In the meantime, there are times when victims see no plan of action however to look for revenge by serious acts of violence against the bully and instigators.

School violence can be prevented. Research shows that prevention efforts – by teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and even students can decrease violence and improve the general school environment (Howard, K. A.; Flora, J.; Griffin, M., 1999). Not just one factor cause’s school violence, so stopping school violence includes using various avoidance techniques that address the numerous individual, relationship, community, and societal factors that impact the likelihood of violence. Counteractive action efforts should ultimately reduce risk factors and advance protective factors at these numerous levels of influence (Howard, K. A.; Flora, J.; Griffin, M., 1999). Discussions about school violence rarely include public health's proven prevention approaches. Public health approaches focus on preventing violence before it starts and have been shown to effectively reduce school and youth violence. This known effectiveness remains as opposed to regularly used counteractive action strategies, for example, metal detectors and other efforts to establish safety, for which there is insufficient data to determine their benefits and some evidence to suggest that they may negatively impact students' perceptions of safety (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2008). Public health offers knowledge and experience in preventing school violence that can significantly enhance approaches to end school violence (Howard, K. A.; Flora, J.; Griffin, M., 1999).

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