JOIN THE CONVERSATION—DEALING WITH VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS
Questions to Consider:- In your view, what is the relationship between adolescent acts of violence and violence
in the broader society? Explain. - In your view, how are you similar to or different from the young people who have com-
mitted violent acts? - Do you think you and your friends could have been capable of violent behavior toward
people or property while in high school? Explain. - In your opinion, would programs like the one described earlier help to prevent violent
eruptions in schools? Explain.
SECTION E: HOW SHOULD SCHOOLS DEAL WITH TRAGIC EVENTS?
In the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City in September
2001, there was widespread discussion of how to support children who lost family members
or were upset by events. Many school districts had decided that the best policy was not to
discuss the events, even after some students had witnessed the explosions from their class-
room windows. Maureen Murphy, S. Maxwell Hines, and I encouraged teachers from the
New Teachers Network to give students an opportunity to voice their concerns and fears in
class in a supportive environment with peers and adults that they knew and trusted. Other-
wise, the option for many students was to learn about what was happening from rumors cir-
culating around the building or from friends after school. Most leading psychologists agreed
with confronting events openly, that it is a mistake to try to protect children by avoiding dis-
cussion.
The National Education Association in conjunction with the American Federation of
Teachers, the National PTA, and the National Association of School Psychologists circulated
a list of recommendations for parents, teachers, and caring adults, which we support. Al-
though it primarily addresses the needs of younger children, its approach is definitely ap-
propriate for adolescents as well. The list included the following recommendations:
·Model calm and compassionate behavior and remind children how much we love and
care about them.
·Establish routines that provide structure and comfort in daily life—have dinner together,
read a bedtime story together, and help with homework.
·Jumpstart a conversation with a question, share your feelings, and be a good listener.
Ask what they know and how they are feeling. Allowing children to voice their views pro-
vides a greater sense of control over their environment.
·Observe and be responsive to children’s emotional state. Be prepared for some regres-
sive behavior and “acting out.” Children will express their emotions differently. Provide
time for writing, drawing, and other ways to express feelings.
·Design a family or school activity that involves children in helping others.
·Tell children the truth. Grieving is natural and the process should be acknowledged and
shared.SUPPORT 247