Violence in Schools: Causation and Prevention

This paper examines the elements leading to school violence in order to propose strategies to help achieve a peaceful school climate. It states that there is evidence that the brain of violent individuals seems to reveal abnormalities. Brain pathology and genetic vulnerability are only two components that may cause individuals to become antisocial and violent. Although males cause most of the violent acts in schools, violent behavior among females is escalating. Risk factors that may lead male and female youth to violent behavior include: coming from a family with a history of criminal violence, being abused, belonging to a gang, and abusing drugs or alcohol. Schools are responding with zero tolerance policies, security measures involving police and security guards, simulations of shooting drills, and conflict resolution/social skills instruction. The preventive measures of early intervention programs and parent training offer hope to help curb the violence. The paper concludes that teachers need the support of counselors and school psychologists to implement violence prevention programs. Reducing class size and personalizing education also would help give students what they need. Working towards a cooperative climate where disagreements can be resolved in a rational way will help establish positive relationships among students and teachers. (Contains 18 references.) (JDM)