Let’s Talk About the Effects of Violence In Our Schools-How to Help Our Children
Dr. Carol Kennedy
Every day there is a report of increased incidence of violence in our schools – whether it’s from access to guns, gang violence, prejudice or even the misperception that there are no consequences for bad behaviors in school and in the community.
Unfortunately, this goes hand in hand with the rise in bullying as well. According to the AAPI Hate 2021 survey, 81.5% of American adolescents report being verbally or physically abused. On social media from Dec. 2019 to April 2021 there has been a 75% increase in hate speech online. The 2018 Report by Bureau of Justice Statistics and NCES, school crime is broken down into two categories: non-fatal victimization (bullying, fights, weapons possession, etc.) and violent deaths.
What We Can Do
Wow, all of this sounds very ominous, especially for our own young people who have disabilities and maybe are Autistic. We don’t want them to be victims or unintentional perpetrators either. So let’s be pro-active.
In Your Child’s School
First, find out what measures are in place in your child’s school. What school-based prevention programs are being utilized for all students? Are their any special programs for teachers, administrators and students for your child’s needs in special education?
These programs teach self-regulation, appropriate emotional/behavioral responses, and helps develop skills in self-awareness, problem-solving and conflict resolution. These programs should be integrated into every teacher’s curriculum and teaching practices.
What is available in your community?
Identify all the outreach programs in your community to reduce youth violence and deterrence. These programs should be targeted to at-risk youth, but also include all members of the community. To find out more information the CDC has a useful website
www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention
They monitor behaviors among youth that are harmful and negative, and additionally supply activities to prevent violence. Their target is young people in grades 9-12.
Finally, be pro-active and aware
In your child’s school- understand and know what the consequences are for violent behaviors. Recognize if your child is a victim or perpetrator, even unknowingly. This is important in terms of what help your child is entitled to. If they have an IEP, what specifics regarding their behavior and strategies are included? Do they have or need a Behavior Intervention Plan? They may need additional counseling if they are victims of violence
What if they misperceive or feel threatened? For example, my son was so afraid of being bullied and abused when he entered high school that he brought a pen knife to school to protect himself (unbeknownst to my husband and me). Now this would be considered bringing a weapon to school. Unfortunately, he was bullied and no one intervened. A memory that resonates with him to this day.
Plan to make sure your child has the necessary skills to be neither a victim nor a cause of these negative behaviors. Be their best advocate in case something unexpected happens. Remember that we can’t control society at large, but can protect our ow children.