Moreover, hurting people in video games or vicariously through movies can serve as a rehearsal to the real thing. Having hurt others thousands of times in video games or in the imagination may make it easier to perform violent acts in reality (Langman)
It is clear however, that these types of violence are not mutually exclusive and are often combined. Fighting can involve deadly weapons, bullying can include threats of violence, and sexual abuse can be part of hazing (Thomas)
In this sense, the cause of school violence is bullying and negative social experiences that often occur in school settings. The effect is that schools must carefully consider their school's social and disciplinary climate in order to effectively prevent incidents of interpersonal violence (Leary el al, 2003)
School Violence Violence in schools has been a subject at the center of debate for several years. School violence is a problem throughout the world, but in recent years a great deal of attention has been given to violence in American schools (Austin, 2003; Smith, 2003)
Prevention measures have included zero tolerance policies for bullying and weapons. In addition school districts throughout the country have trained teachers and administrators as it relates to identifying early warning signs and dealing with these signals when they occur (Bender et al
After a couple of shootings in the 1990's, particularly columbine, school administrators and law enforcement agencies began to take a closer look at bullying in schools. According to a book entitled Handbook of Pediatric Psychology in School Settings children who have been exposed to long-term events such as bullying can develop very intractable problems that place them at further risk for later adolescent and adult pathology (Brown, 2004 pg55)
Following violence at several schools in the United States researchers and educators alike inquired of the schools as it related to the signs that were ignored or not taken seriously enough. In many cases, teachers, parents and students alike did not understand the impact that bullying was having on the perpetrator (Burstyn et al
While it is true that most kids that are bullied do not end up harming themselves or anyone else, almost all of the students that have been the perpetrators of school violence were bullied. With this being understood, many schools and school districts have a zero tolerance policy as it relates to bullying (Daniels, 2002)
In addition to such factors and social hierarchy and bullying, mental illness is often one of the issues that perpetrators suffer with. In the most recent and severe case of school violence, the Virginia Tech Shootings, it appears that the gunman (Seung-Hui Cho) suffered from mental illness and it has also been reported that he was bullied prior to entering college (Jenson 2007)
Although discussions concerning violence in schools often concentrate on school shootings, school violence also refers to several other types of actions. These actions are inclusive of pushing and shoving, littering, theft, tardiness, breaking rules, foul language, and disruptiveness (Moeller, 2001)
According to the authors suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are most prevalent during adolescence. In fact past research has asserted that suicidal behavior is linked to low levels of friendship and support (Prinstein, Boergers, Spirito, Little, & Grapentine, 2000)
The desired outcome is a measurable change in aggression behaviors and responses toward the same on the part of the students in the program. A significant buy-in for the program on the part of the teachers and administrative staff is also desirable since in similar studies, since teacher perception of the student's aggressive as well as pro-social behaviors are considered to be significant in evaluations of school-based violence prevention programs (Greenberg, Kusche, Cook & Quamma, 1995)
Aber also demonstrated that higher levels of teacher training in conflict resolution resulted in lower numbers of negative outcomes of two-year review. After controlled for classroom variance, however, the significance of teacher training tended did not appear to be as significant as previously believed (Samples & Aber, 1998)
And the attachment theory says that low parental attachment produces cold, hardened children who tend to turn delinquent (Farrington). Conclusion Juvenile courts in King County report on the prevalence of family violence in their caseloads (Buel, 2002)
The social learning theory explains that children in these families are unable to learn appropriate behavior because of the opposed parental examples or models provided. And the attachment theory says that low parental attachment produces cold, hardened children who tend to turn delinquent (Farrington)
These define their roles and contribute to developing habits like cruelty (DESA). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,943 Korean adolescents of whom 707 were juvenile delinquents to explore the causes and effects of juvenile delinquency (Kim & Kim, 2008)
Do you feel as if your child's school is violent? Please explain why you do or do not feel that way. 6. "Does your child's school focus on academic achievement?" (Lassiter)
" Updating Policies Schools across the country, such as those in Bergen County, New Jersey, are currently revising and implementing policies to deal with school violence. Their "policies on vandalism and violence in the schools are being modified to refer to bullying and harassment, and to make them conform to other school policies on bullying and intimidation (Austin, 2003)
" Racial Tension In a number of schools, there are significant problems concerning name-calling and racial tension. Many advocacy groups feel the problem must "be confronted more forcefully by staff, and there should be parent task forces on minority concerns (Erickson, 2003)
" Using Proven Methods In 2001, the Boston School System began utilizing methods proven effective in decreasing street violence as a means to reduce school violence. School officials began "community policing to combat an upswing of 'unacceptable behavior', which included several incidents in which teachers were allegedly assaulted by students or irate parents (Farmer, 2001)