Because of the growing deficit problem in our country, many communities are struggling to maintain prevention programs within their schools. Concern about school violence has been rising in present years. Creating a school environment that is safe and entails a positive learning experience for students has become a public precedence. A variety of programs exist in schools today, which help with violence protection amongst its students. Many of the programs have proven to be beneficial and positive. Removing such programs from schools can have a significant impact in the attitude and violence surrounding the students.
There are various ways to implement violence prevention strategies in schools. Some of the more common strategies used involve legal, interactionist and physical remedies. The legal remedies implement law into its strategies. An example, is giving school officials the power to search and seize contraband. The interactionist remedies create an open communication relationship between school officials and students. Physical remedies involve strategies by altering the schools environment in ways to prevent possible violence. A study in Virginia schools show that legal and interactionist remedies prove to be the most useful strategies in reducing violence in the school. The study proved the benefits of the prevention program in the school showing these results:
· Lower rates of delinquency, harassment, bullying, suicide and all other forms of violence and antisocial behavior
· Increasing the likelihood troubled youth will be identified and receive treatment
· Improving the learning environment by reducing intimidating, disruptive and disrespectful behavior
· Preparing communities for responding to not only shootings at schools, but also all other man-made and natural disasters
As shown above, violence prevention programs demonstrate multiple advantages and can have positive results on the students in the schools. These prevention programs work best when they incorporate different strategies and address the full range of possible acts of violence within schools. When safer learning environments are established, it’s important for everyone to be involved i.e. students, parents, faculty and law enforcement. Without such shared responsibility, the chance of safe school policies being successfully implemented and accepted is undermined. The school, faculty and parents play a significant role in preventing violence in schools. By having these strategic programs in place, students will benefit greatly and are most likely to have a positive experience in school.
USA today states that, “Elementary school principals and safety experts say they're seeing more violence and aggression than ever among their youngest students, pointing to what they see as an alarming rise in assaults and threats to classmates and teachers.” This shows that violence in schools is not only growing but starting at a younger age. It is important for society to understand that violence in schools is a vast problem and if nothing is done about it, the odds are that it will continue to grow and get more out of hand. As schools tighten up on their budget, many violence prevention programs are diminishing, causing a rise in violent behavior in students. As in any school program, it is vital to ensure the safety and positive nature in a students surroundings, this in turn will provide a bright future and attitude for them.
USA today states that, “Elementary school principals and safety experts say they're seeing more violence and aggression than ever among their youngest students, pointing to what they see as an alarming rise in assaults and threats to classmates and teachers.” This shows that violence in schools is not only growing but starting at a younger age. It is important for society to understand that violence in schools is a vast problem and if nothing is done about it, the odds are that it will continue to grow and get more out of hand. As schools tighten up on their budget, many violence prevention programs are diminishing, causing a rise in violent behavior in students. As in any school program, it is vital to ensure the safety and positive nature in a students surroundings, this in turn will provide a bright future and attitude for them.
Time, V., & Payne, B.. (2008). School violence prevention measures: School officials' attitudes about various strategies. Journal of Criminal Justice, 36(4), 301. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals. (Document ID: 1528866441).
