School Violence

By: Holly Gayle Gershon

What can parents do to protect children?

Schools and communities initiate violence-prevention and just programs to foster safe and productive learning environments. Many schools use metal detectors and employ security personnel to keep order.

Parents’ roles

Educators, parents, and students suggest that parents have responsibility to prevent school violence by taking important steps:

• Spend time becoming involved in children’s lives.
• Communicate with children affectionately and respectfully.
• Help your child build a positive social network of friends.
• Watch for signals such as isolation, change in appearance, and others that might reflect bullying or other unacceptable behavior.
• Set rules and boundaries and stock to them.
• Set a good example.
• Hold schools accountable for providing meaningful educational opportunities.
• Support participation in athletics, clubs, and non-school activities.
• In the event of an incident, involve administrators, teachers, and law enforcement, if necessary.
• Obtain legal counsel, if needed.