Prevention programs are critical to creating and maintaining a safe school environment. Every school district and school should develop a consistent code of conduct that reinforces values such as respect, fairness, tolerance and personal responsibility. The code should clearly outline unacceptable behaviors, including bullying, and consequences for violations. Bullying behavior includes not only physical aggression, but also verbal and cyber threats, name calling, rumors and menacing gestures. Students who are different — religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical appearance — are often the target of bullying. Schools should establish and promote safe school hotlines for reporting safety issues and concerns.
Encourage students to report incidents bullying or other trouble brewing by teaching the difference between tattling and reporting potentially dangerous situations. Instill the message that “friends do tell.” Establish clear reporting policies that protect confidentiality. Ensure that troubled students have access to mental health support.
In addition, schools should proactively adopt programs that deal with conflict resolution, anger management, anti-bullying and self-esteem. All staff, including support personnel, should receive training on how to identify bullying and other destructive behaviors and how to respond.
There are a number of excellent school safety programs that increase students’ understanding of behaviors and attitudes that lead to violence, how to resolve conflict peacefully and create a culture of respect, and focus on learning. Adopt a research-based program with data that proves results. Consider such factors as the type of program (curricular, extracurricular), the target age groups, costs and resources needed.
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