School personnel can help
create safe schools. Here are some ways that teachers and
other school staff members can do so:
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Teach students about the nature and extent of violence
in society and in their community. This is especially
important for young people who have a natural tendency
to believe they are immortal and who need to adopt an
“it can happen to me” attitude. Complement discussions
of violence with instruction on how to avoid becoming
a victim of crime.
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Prevent hate crimes by discussing and rejecting stereotypes
of minority groups, encouraging interaction with members
of different cultures, and encouraging an appreciation
of diversity. Also, ensure that educational materials
reflect the many cultures of this society.
-
Use existing courses to teach safety topics. For example,
social studies or current events classes can discuss social
unrest and resulting violence in society, English classes
can write essays on self-esteem or interpersonal conflict,
and art classes can design antiviolence posters.
-
Teach students about the damaging effects of sexual
harassment and sexual assault. From an early age, children
can learn the difference between “good touching”
and “bad touching,” and that “no means
no.” Older students can have group discussions about
dating and relationship expectations.
-
Instruct students in laws that affect juveniles and
the consequences for breaking these laws. Take students
to visit a jail--to observe incarceration firsthand and
to talk to prisoners about what brought them there. Encourage
respect for the law by leading discussions of social contract
theory and other theories about creating laws.
-
Tell students about the lethal impact of guns and the
legal implications of carrying or using guns. Try to counteract
the attractiveness of guns to young people. Emphasize
that students should not carry guns, and include a discussion
about gun safety.
-
Videotape television new stories that describe actual
incidents involving guns, and ask students to watch and
discuss the tapes.
-
Teach elementary and secondary students to avoid gang
activities, and provide them with alternative programs
to meet their social and recreational needs. Invite guest
speakers who work with gang members, such as law enforcement
or probation officers, to speak to classes or assemblies.
Former gang members who have “turned their lives
around” may also tell stories that inspire students
to keep away from gangs.
-
Teach problem-solving skills in both academic and extracurricular
school settings.
-
Tell students that anger is an acceptable feeling, but
that acting on anger in violent ways is unacceptable.
Teach children how to express their anger nonviolently
or to confront the source of their anger with plans to
“work it out” through peaceful, problem-solving
discussions.
-
Offer assistance in finding jobs, especially to students
who are at risk of dealing drugs or joining a gang because
they feel they have no legitimate way to make a living
and take care of themselves.
-
Teach students social skills, such as how to use self-control,
communicate well with others, and form and maintain friendships.
-
Talk with students about being “good sports”
to discourage the disruptive and sometimes violent behavior
that can break out at school athletic events. Encourage
coaches, teachers, parents, and other adults to set good
examples.
