violence and bullying

Violence and BullyingCombined All-Principals and

All-Counselors MeetingFebruary 19, 2009

From the Executive Summary of the Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2007

“Our nation’s schools should be safe havens for teaching and learning, free of crime and violence. Any instance of crime or violence at school not only affects the individuals involved but also may disrupt the educational process and affect bystanders, the school itself, and the surrounding community (Henry 2000).”

National Center for Education Statistics

Public School Teachers Rate the Top Disciplinary Problems:

In 1940 Talking out of turn Chewing gum Making noise Running in the

hall Cutting in line Dress code

violations Littering

In 1990 Drug abuse Alcohol abuse Pregnancy Suicide Rape Robbery Assault

Volokh, Alexander and Lisa Snell, “Strategies to Keep Schools Safe,” 1998.

Violence and Bullying Today:

Why Today?

Rise of School Violence

Schools themselves have changed a great deal since the 1950s, and by the later twentieth century they brought a wide range of students together from often markedly different social environments.

http://law.jrank.org/pages/12100/School-Violence-Causes-school-violence.html


Differences appear in attitudes and behavior that can lead to social cliques or racial tensions. A major change was the emergence of gangs, which doubled between 1989 and 1993. Gang activity within schools included recruiting new members, which often led to school violence as part of initiation.



In addition, illegal activities in the vicinity of the school increased, such as selling drugs and firearms.


Rise of School ViolenceYet another major factor in the rise of

deadly school violence was the easy availability of firearms and other weapons. Estimates in the 1990s on the number of weapons brought to school on a daily basis were staggering. The number of guns brought into schools on any given day ranged up to over 250,000 and the number of knives more than double that figure.



How Big Is the Problem?

Key Findings from 2005-06

86 percent of public schools reported that at least one violent crime, theft or other crime occurred at their school.

8% of students in grades 9-12 reported being threatened or injured with a weapon in the previous 12 months.

25% reported having drugs made available to them on school property.

28% of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied at school during the previous 6 months.

Interesting Information . . .

In 2005-2006, 24% of public schools reported that student bullying was a daily or weekly problem.

18% of public school principals reported student acts of disrespect for teachers;

9% reported student verbal abuse of teachers;

17% reported undesirable gang activities.

% of Students Reporting: Robbery, Bullying, Physical Attack

Occurred Witnessed WorriedAbout

Happened to Student

Elementary 60% 47% 29% 13%

Middle or Junior High 77% 60% 34% 17%

Senior HS 71% 58% 20% 8%

CombinedSchool

60% 45% 19% 11%

From Volokh and Snell, 1998 (1993 survey)

Research by the Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Education involving 37 school shootings, including Columbine, finds that about two-thirds of student shooters felt bullied, harassed, threatened or injured by others. Most school bullying cases do not lead to school shootings, but bullying is a serious and more common problem than previously recognized that can leave emotional wounds long after the physical wounds have healed.


What Are the Consequences?

Consequences of Violence

In addition to causing injury and death, youth violence affects communities by increasing the cost of health care, reducing productivity, decreasing property values, and disrupting social services (Mercy et al, 2002).

Secondary Effects of School Violence

Takes away from the educational process

Affects the behavior of students, who act differently to avoid the threat of violence

Adds costs to education: security systems, etc.

Affects the health and wellness of students and staff


Who?

Early Warning Signs

We know from research that most children who become

violent toward self and others feel rejected and

psychologically victimized.

(Guerr, Huesman, Tolan, Van Acker, & Eron, 1995)

Early Warning Signs

In most cases, children exhibit aggressive behavior early in life and, if not provided support, will continue a progressive developmental pattern toward severe aggression or violence.

(Walker, Colvin, and Ramsey, 1995; Walker, Stieber, & O’Neill, 1990.)

Early Warning Signs

Social withdrawal Excessive feelings of isolation and being

alone Excessive feelings of rejection Being a victim of violence Feelings of being picked on and persecuted Low school interest and poor academic

performance

Early Warning Signs

Expression of violence in writings and drawings

Uncontrolled anger Patterns of impulsive hitting, intimidating, and

bullying behaviors History of discipline problems Past history of violent and aggressive

behavior Intolerance for differences and prejudicial

attitudes

Early Warning Signs

Drug and alcohol useAffiliation with gangsInappropriate access to, possession of,

and use of firearmsSerious threats of violence

Warning . . .

This video may not be suitable for all viewers,

but WE must not forget; WE must change the alienating culture of our schools and

make school a safe and supportive place for all young people.


The Solution(s)????????

Six Pillars of Character

1. Trustworthiness2. Respect3. Responsibility4. Fairness5. Caring6. Citizenship

TRRFCC

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