NCJ Number
186896
Date Published
2000
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper offers tips for preventing school violence to parents, students, and school officials.
Abstract
Ways parents can prevent their children from developing violent behaviors are to give their children consistent love and attention; model appropriate behavior for their children; talk with children about the violence they see on TV, in video games, at school, at home, or in the neighborhood; keep children from being exposed to media violence; and make sure children do not have access to guns. Other measures parents can use are to set rules for appropriate behavior at home; teach children non-aggressive ways to solve problems; listen to and respect children; and note any disturbing aggressive behaviors in children. Recommendations for students include being a role model for the respectful and caring treatment of other students; listen to friends when they talk about troubling feelings or thoughts; develop appropriate ways for handling anger, and work with the school to create a process for students to report threats and other warning signs of violence. Suggestions for school officials include the development of a comprehensive violence prevention plan that does not label or stigmatize children; create a school environment that is safe and responsive to all children; discuss safety issues openly; offer supervised, school-based, before-and-after-school programs; and be prepared for a crisis or violent act. 33 annotated resources, including website addresses