NCJ Number
188926
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This videotape and accompanying pamphlet present information on school violence, the perspectives of youth and school staff regarding violence prevention and conflict resolution, and the efforts that students and staff of one high school are making to reduce tensions and resolve conflicts in the school community.
Abstract
The videotape depicts scenes during a typical school day in a suburban high school that has a diverse population and in which students and staff are working together to reduce tensions and barriers among groups and to make the school safer, friendlier, and more fun for all. A student comments that violence can occur in any type of school community and that everything a student says or does affects another person. Other students comment that schools typically have varied social groups and cliques and that high school involves survival of the fittest. The assistant principal comments that each school has students who are struggling and that this high school has developed several support systems, including peer social workers, student mediation, a school psychologist, school security, and other efforts to bring the school community together. Students discuss the stereotypes that exist in the school and their anger when stereotyped. Additional scenes depict a human relations group discussion, a student-led mediation session between two students who became involved in a conflict, and a training session in which a social worker leads students in practicing skills in anger management and conflict resolution. The accompanying pamphlet describes the program and presents discussion questions about the peer relations group, peer mediation, the conflict resolution class, and other school efforts. Suggested additional activities and list of additional resources