School Violence Presentation

Introduction

School violence has recently evolved to not only encompass internal threats but also threats from outside. Cases of gunmen shooting at schools are now very commonSchools have taken various steps to limit incidences of school violence such as installing metal detectors, hiring security firms to operate within schools, ant bullying campaigns, rules and regulation regarding school conduct and counselling services within the schools to help students prone to violence (Miller, 2008)Parents are especially fearful about the welfare of their children due to the increased cases of school violenceViolent behavior among students with regard to peers has made the school environment fearful; and as there is a lot of intimidation and peer hostilityThis has made the school environment toxic and as a result students cannot focus on their studies

Warning signs of school violence or harassment

These signs includeSocial withdrawal, this is because both perpetrators and victims may feel rejected, isolated, unworthy and generally have low self esteemExcessive feelings of isolation and rejection have also been linked with victims of violenceBeing a victim of violence, victims often become abusersFeelings of persecution- when certain students feel bullied or humiliated they may channel these emotions through aggressionLoss of interest in school and decreased academic performanceExpression of violence through one’s writings and drawings

Warning signs of school violence or harassment

The aggressors display the following characteristics:Uncontrolled anger that is often unprovokedImpulsive acts of aggression such as constantly hitting others even though it may seem playfulHistory of violent behaviorDrug and alcohol abuse as it reduces their self controlAffiliation with gangs as this leads to group mentality and they can perpetuate violence in an attempt to fit in and impress gang membersThreats of violenceDesire for fame may also lead a student to engage in violent behaver so that he or she wants be seenPossession of weapons such as knives indicate preference of violence (Hong, Lee, Lee, Lee & Garbarino, 2014).

Ways in which educational facilities can protect the school fraternity from violence

The key to preventing violence and crime is vigilance. This involves been keen to observe and intervene when warning signs prevent themselves. There is need to intervene early before incidences escalate so as to ensure school environment is unsafe for studentsThe school should make sure that weapons do not find their way into the schools by installing metal detectors and checking students bag upon entrance. Random checks may also be used and making sure all entryways and exits are manned by security officers or teachersIn addition schools should also teach students conflict resolution methods to make sure violent prone students have information in alternative methods of expressing their frustrationPeer counselling programs should also be instituted to both encourage students to help each other as well as ensuring children are able to identify signs of violence among themselves and report this to the school authoritiesHong (Lee, Lee, Lee & Garbarino, 2014).

Preventative measures to reduce school violence

Schools have instituted to the following measures to reduce incidences of violence in schools: Physical surveillance this includes weapon deterrence and having security staff in the school premisesSchool policies that are designed to prevent violence for instance punishing aggressorsInstruction based programs that tackle precursors of violence such as bullying and intimidationProfiling of students who have the potential of being violentCounselling students who are more at risk of becoming violent such as those who come from abusive homesTeaching students techniques of conflict resolution (Miller, 2008)

Preventive measures to reduce school violence

The more progressive schools are even installing cameras in their hallways to be able to monitor situations and make sure incidences of violence do not occurAnother strategy that has been employed is going to students one on one or in group situations to make sure they feel to express their concerns and this makes them feel safer at schoolThe school security personal, the administration and the counselling department are also working together to make sure that the school environment is not prone to violenceUse of effective evidence based program to make sure that the strategies employed at various schools are age appropriate (Miller, 2008)

School counselling programs

The school counsellor has become very involved with the student in the schoolTheir roles have evolved as they are now more engaged in the educational process and interact more closely with studentsThis has enabled them to develop trust with students and as a result the students are able to confide in themWithin the school, the counsellor is perhaps the students’ biggest ally to both the administration and to their parentsDue to their close interaction with students they are able to notice shift in behavioral patterns and thereafter intervene and help students back on the right pathThey can intervene in case student may face abuse both at home and at school and as a result prevent these situations from escalatingIn addition they also offer guidance on ways students should handle the various stressors in their lives instead of perpetuating violence as an outlet for their frustration (Sundaram, 2016)

Peer counselling programs and how effective they are

Peer counselling programs are usually not very popular among studentsThis is because students may tend to look down on their peers as they may not have respects for them. This means that they may not listen to the directions the peers may haveHowever it is possible that peers are more likely to get through them as they know what exactly to target and the best way to communicate with studentsThey may also be more alert to risk factors and this would enable them to report them to the right channels and an intervention would thereafter be carried outIn addition they can identify those among them who are at risk and are unwilling to talk to school authorities and offer them help (Sundaram, 2016)

References

Hong, J. S., Lee, C. H., Lee, J., Lee, N. Y., & Garbarino, J. (2014). A review of bullying prevention and intervention in South Korean schools: An application of the social–ecological framework. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 45(4), 433-442.Sundaram, V. (2016). “You Can Try, But You Won’t Stop It. It’ll Always Be There” Youth Perspectives on Violence and Prevention in Schools. Journal of interpersonal violence, 31(4), 652-676.Mohandie, K. (2002). School violence threat management: A practical guide for educators, law enforcement, and mental health professionals. San Diego, Calif: Specialized Training Services.Miller, T. W. (2008). School violence and primary prevention. New York: Springer.