School Violence FAQs

Why is school violence on the rise?
The rise in incidents does have the experts baffled. Possible factors include

• Large and impersonal schools
• Violent video games
• A rise in street gangs
• Higher levels of stress and anxiety, and greater sense of threat due to world conflicts.
• Students' needs are not being recognized or met

Whataever the reasons, children and teenagers are increasingly carrying guns and other dangerous weapons to school. Many children, particularly in urban areas, feel they need guns for "protection."

What are some risk factors that lead to school violence?

• Association with delinquent peers
• Involvement in gangs
• Social rejection by peers
• Lack of involvement in extracurricular and afterschool activities
• Poor academic performance

What steps can I take?

• Encourage your students to talk to you about anything that happens at school, including things that upset him or her.
• School bullies have always been a problem, but nowadays, they might be carrying weapons. Encourage your students to tell you immediately if anyone bullies or threatens them.
• Reinforce school policies against carrying weapons to school.
• Be involved in your school's safety program. Attend school board meetings and hearings. Speak out about safety concerns you have. Encourage your administrators to develop professional safety, prevention, and support programs if not currently in place.

Our administrators are talking about having a School Resource Officer. What is that position?
A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a certified law enforcement officer who is permanently assigned to provide coverage to a school or a set of schools. The SRO is specifically trained to perform three roles:

• law enforcement officer;
• law-related counselor; and
• law-related education teacher.

Is an SRO a DARE officer?
Not necessarily, although many do have DARE training.

What else can my school do? Ask if your school has the Departments of Education and Justice and the American Institutes for Research report, "Safeguarding Our Children: An Action Guide." Elements of the report include:

• Building a school-wide foundation in which all members feel connected, safe, and supported
• Responding to children exhibiting early warning signs:
• Early intervention
• Providing intensive interventions to troubled students
• Creating and implementing a comprehensive plan

What else can I do?
Talk with you administrators about establishing a SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) chapter in your school (or a similar-type program). SAVE is a student-driven organization through which kids learn about alternatives to violence and practice what they learn through school and community service projects. Focus areas include crime prevention, conflict management skills, and the virtues of good citizenship, civility, and nonviolence.