Publish at September 22 2008 Updated December 06 2023
There are almost as many school violence prevention programs as there are school administrations. But the ones that work have many of the following elements in common:
It's not just a matter for the administration, supervisors, parents or teachers. It's not a matter of ignoring what's going on and pretending it doesn't exist. Everyone at school benefits from getting involved in violence prevention.
In tense situations, it's hard to see clearly and to trust. Outside help has the qualities of neutrality and is less threatening to all parties.
Everyone who enters the school can be greeted and recognized. If some of them show particular behaviors, it will be possible to advise.
Serious outbreaks of violence are usually preceded by many smaller ones. They can be resolved at this stage, in the classroom.
It's not enough to set up a program; you have to make it known and ensure that everyone knows the rules and is committed to abiding by them.
Students know where they feel unsafe and when. Once this is known, various solutions can be applied. But first we need to know where and when.
Good prevention programs include the development of human values. Role models, inspirational stories, the promotion of honesty, loyalty and trust... the kind of considerations that speak to the heart and soul.
Ostracism is a behavior that often leads to violence. Promoting diversity and tolerance aims to defuse this behavior at source. It is those who advocate conformity to a specific allegiance who should be questioned.
A good way to give troublemakers a chance of rehabilitation is to involve them in some way as mediators or prevention agents. If they don't decide for themselves to be positive leaders, they'll inevitably get into trouble. This chance will save them from being branded as hopeless cases.
Creating an environment where bullying is not tolerated requires the joint involvement of everyone. Different formulas are possible, but the best ones give everyone the tools to take responsibility for their part of the problem.
Summarized from " Keeping the Peace - The cornerstones of any good violence prevention program" - By Angela Pascopella
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