School Administrative Unit #37
286 Commercial Street, Manchester, NH 03101 * Tel: 603-624-6300 * Fax: 603-624-6337

Safe Schools

What is Violence?

Verbal, emotional, psychological, social and physical harm either intentional or unintentional.
Usually caused by people not knowing how to deal with conflict - unable to communicate.
Usually done because people believe it will solve the problem or end the problem.
Usually done because people are out of control.
Usually done because it is learned and expected.
Usually done because other skills are not learned - such as listening, selfcontrol and problem solving.
Violence begets violence - it does not ever solve the problem.

What is School Violence?

“School violence is violence that happens at school but is not solely a school based problem”.

first victim of school violence is learning (verbal - insults, intolerance, etc.)
1/4 of American students have been the victim of a violent act that occurred in or around school.
One in eight students has carried a weapon to school.
One in six public school teachers report having been the the victim of violence in or around school.
Elementary school students are more likely than secondary school students to feel very safe in school.
But, elementary school students are just as likely as secondary school students to be the victims of a violent act.
Secondary school students are more likely than elementary school students to carry a weapon to school.
Elementary and secondary school teachers are equally likely to feel very safe and to believe that the level of violence in their school has decreased, but they are equally likely to have been victims of school violence.
Male and female students and teachers are equally likely to believe that levels of violence have decreased in the past year and to report that they feel very safe.
Boys are more likely than girls to be victims of school violence or to have carried a weapon.
Teachers experience as victims of school violence does not differ by gender.
A 30% reduction has occurred in school violence but a 700% increase in media coverage.
3,000 handgun deaths per year happen to American kids but only 1% occur at school
Schools are safer than any where else for American kids

Youth violence is a cultural phenomenon. It requires the effort of the entire community to combat. It’s everyones concern.

Other issues for youth violence are more compelling than just what happens at school.

Public attitude towards young people is worsening. 15% described young people in positive terms such as active, curious, etc. 71% said todays young people would not make America a better place to live.

American kids are 12 times more likely to be shot than all other industrialized countries put together.

3 kids per day are murdered in domestic violence.
Our suicide rate has doubled compared to the rest of the world.
We spend more $ on cat food than textbooks in the US.
We spend more $ on video games than technology.

What is a Safe School?

Often believed to be:

a high security compound where cameras, metal detectors and police protect students from each other.
Where strict external controls intimidate young people into behaving appropriately.
Where discipline is punishment and children are tried as adults for crimes.
Where no physical fighting means no violence. No physical violence means it’s safe.
Where the adults order children around and determine if they are good or bad.
Where responsibility for behavior has shifted from the child to the adult.
Where power and control are the motivating factors in policy development.

In reality these schools are the most disconnected entities. They violate what we know about communities, safety and human connectedness. They have the opposite effect on stopping young people from behaving and create hostile, uncaring and emotionally alienating environments for learning.

We must ask ourselves, “ are we schools of reform or reform schools?”. Schools are becoming colder, harsher and less welcoming instead of caring, nurturing and welcoming. High standards and high security are taking their toll on school culture. We need to insure the student as the center of a humane educational setting.

We need to move away from controlling behavior or a lock down mentality, to that of prevention.
We must be sure that all kids are included in prevention - not profiling or focusing solely on those we most suspect of poor behavior.

So What is a Safe School?

Safe Schools are places of culture. They maintain the image of a “professional community.” They have a clear school mission.
Safe Schools are places where teachers and students work together to improve schools.
Safe Schools encourage teachers to work with each other to teach students so they learn more.
Safe Schools have leadership that invests in people.
Safe Schools are places where both teachers and students learn together.
Safe Schools value greater openness and cooperation.

Reducing school violence in a child centered way is the way to go. Students need platform to express themselves

to teach democracy we have to practice democracy in our schools
involve all people in authentic, genuine ways
first victim of school violence is learning (verbal - insults, intolerance, etc.)

There is no recipe but some ideas are:

Get to know everyone and reach out to kids that really need it. Being excluded hurts a lot.
Learn how to communicate - mosltly listen- when you are in conflict with someone.
Conflict takes time to resolve. Inappropriately managed conflict leads to violence.
Learn about how to deal with strong emotions - such as anger - and really use these skills.
Talk to an adult when you’re having a tough time. If you do not have an adult, talk to a TRUSTED friend.
Go to mediationif you need help.
Don’t bring weapons to school (or anywhere) for any purpose!
Report any information that you think is for real to trusted adults.
Report any weapons to the office - anonymously! Better safe than sorry.
Practice security drills seiously - they may save your life!
Contribute to the school, community, and each other. Get involved.
Make “I will” pledge cards to all students on solving violence, etc. signed and returned.
Stay away from trouble makers and bullies. If you don’t like how people treat you, stay away from them.
Stay with groups of friends that you can trust and who won’t make things more diffiult for you.
If you are being singled out - get help. Don’t take it. Many victims are the ones that retaliate with violence. This is an act of desperation.
Stay away from drugs and drug users. Acting under the influence or selling makes you desperate and more violent.
Act against violence with self discipline, empathy, respect, and determination.
Get everyone involved - it’s all our concerns. Parents, community, teachers and kids.

It is important that each of us takes the responsibility to be the best we can and to help others that need it in order to create a safe place to be. Noone can control anyone but themselves but we can be on the lookout for those that might need help. The skills to create safe schools are the skills you will need at work and with all people all of your lives. Be responsible and care enough to take care of yourself and those in your lives.

Safe Schools Home Page

This page last updated May 2, 2006 by Kevin Smith

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