NCJ Number
186046
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Effective strategies developed by mental health and education professionals are available for use by elementary schools in helping students develop prosocial attitudes and behaviors to prevent later youth violence and juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
Aggressive and antisocial behavior has been increasing in children in both amount and severity. It is also beginning at earlier ages than in the past. Causes include inherent, psychodynamic, and social factors. Early warning signs include social withdrawal, excessive feelings of isolation and rejection, victimization, poor school attendance, artistic expressions of violence, and other behaviors. Resilient children may avoid aggression due to innate characteristics such as brain chemistry. Types of bad conduct by children include aggression, bullying, and hate bullying. The most effective school antiviolence program use four strategies: (1) teaching social competence through formal and informal antiviolence curricula; (2) creating a positive, calm setting; (3) establishing behavior standards; and (4) establishing rules and regulations for responding to violence. Strategies beyond the classroom include schoolwide strategies, classroom and playground strategies, and parent involvement. The most successful approaches to helping children develop prosocial attitudes and behaviors are those implemented as part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to nurturing children at home, at school, and in the community. 21 references