School Violence

School is a place where students go to learn. Each student should have the opportunity to develop the skills of problem solving in a nonviolent manner. Educators should have in mind the students culture. Instead of labeling them as trouble-makers, give them a chance to learn how to cope, and deal with problems by teaching them the steps to take. There has to be some consistent ways of solving these problems. Not with the punishments approaches that some school takes, but by solving practices and the implementation of respect, fairness, and discipline.

Punishment approaches by the school to solve violence are not the correct ones. They blame the violent student, but rarely do anything to solve the problem, or prevent further harm. The use of these punishments are not successful because they do not solve these issues from the root of the problems. Schools need to resolve the problems before they escalate. If they deal with the source where violence is coming from, and address the problem early, and consistently then school would be stronger and safer. Educational systems use surveillance to punish the student, however, if they are replaced with the base for education, and the restoration of a healthy community then the amount of violence would be minimal.

Educators can build a fair, and cooperative environment that discourages violence by inspiring healthy relationships in schools and classrooms. There is a combination of tools for handling conflicts, and promoting healthy relationships. For example, give the job to a social worker who is used to dealing with these issues. By observing what is going on in the classrooms, as well as in the school in general and assessing the problems. Then working with the students, and the teacher to solve the problems. Unfortunately there are many schools who cannot afford to implement such solutions because of budget cuts in the schools where help is most needed. Another way of handling these violence problems is by teaching.

Schools main purpose is education. Teaching helps prevent the augmentation of violence. By teaching students and teachers how to resolve conflicts in a healthy way, as well as how to develop their own skills of confidence, acceptation of diversity, justice, and peace. Peace is achieved by lessons and by giving the right to each student to be included in activities. In addition, for that student to take action in order for him/her to become a nonviolent citizen.

In conclusion, schools should have educated professionals who can deal with these sort of issues. A person who can turn the students life around, change violence in schools to peace. For instance, a social worker, or any other professional that cares about social justice, and the well-being of each individual. The article mentions that the best time to address conflicts is when it is non-disruptive. When people are not frightened, frustrated, or angry they are much more able to open up, to listen, and learn. They will have an open mind to what is being taught. In my opinion the only way to avoid violence is to regularly, and constantly address conflicts before they become a serious problem.