Anna Stanley |
SCHOOL: Tougaloo College MAJOR: Psychology and Education MENTOR: Dr. Sonja Burnham EXPECTED GRADUATION DATE: May, 2000 ORGANIZATIONS & HONORS:
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School Violence: Reviewing Literature on Intervention and Prevention
Abstract
Violence among youth, especially in schools, is one of American society's most pressing concerns. For many years, it has been thought that schools in America were one of the safest places for children. It is in this institution that children are supervised and taught social skills. It is there that children are also taught concepts that would help them become more prosperous in life. Yet, sadly enough, it is at this institution that violence occurs.
Media reports indicate that school violence is a national problem that has spread through the heartland of America. Violence is not unique to public schools in the nations urban centers. No geographic region escapes the violence. Therefore, the public's concern about discipline and violence in the school is well warranted. Violence caused by school-aged student is worse now than ever before. It is on the rise and emerges in every aspect of American society. Much time and effort has been spent to seek causes for school violence as well as solutions.
Concern about increasing youth violence is being channeled into a variety of innovative, and potentially effective programs around the country. My research investigates the causes of violence occurring in school-aged children. It also explores the different intervention and prevention approaches being taken by the government, community, and schools to reduce such violence.
One obvious reason this topic is of interest to me is due to the recent school shootings (e.g. Luke Woodam; Pearl, MS). Yet, my motivation in researching this topic is not solely based on recent events. It is based more on the on-going struggle adolescent students have coping with life events, which, when handled poorly creates a constellation of problem behaviors. Intervention and prevention programs will provide students with effective group experiences in developing coping skills. This research article is a literature review intended to discover the causes of school violence, and describe the long-term strategies and policies being implemented to support successful youth development.