Causes+and+effects+of+school+violence

= Causes and Effects of School Violence =

Maria Abuawad
= **THE ROOT OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE: CAUSES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A PLAN OF ACTION** =

By: Bennett-Johnson, Earnestine
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**Article Summary and Critique:**
Violence has not only reached high schools and junior schools, but has also reached elementary schools (Bennett-Johnson, 2003). Today, crime and violence in schools is seen more frequently than ever before and one of the main causes of such problem is the poverty in America (Jargowsky 1994; Jargowsky & Bane 1990; Kasarda 1992, 1993; Mincy, Sawhill & Wolf 1990; Ricketts & Sawhill 1988). The high poverty rates in urban environments mean higher crime rates that lead to higher abuse of alcohol and drugs that not only afftect lives, but also afftect the children's ability to learn at school.

Nearly 23% of public school students have been victims of violence in their schools (National Center for //Education// Statistics, 2002). This is unacceptable and something must be done about the situation. Everyday students are being assaulted, and sometimes even killed by other students. Most of the young adults/children committing crimes such as rape, murder, robbery and many others, usually come from poor families whose incomes are around $7,500 or less per year (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2002). This shows how much poverty can affect a child's attitude and behavior in school. Also, a majority of these kids already come from households where they are continuously being mistreated. This violent behavior can lead to terrible outcomes such as academic failure, gang involvement, and even teenage pregnancy (//School// //Violence// Resource Center, 2002).

In order to create a safer envirnonment in schools, a plan of action must be created. This plan will help reduce the crime rates in schools, and attempt to reduce the violence level among the students. The facutly and students must be aware of this plan, and must work together in order to reach the goal. Teachers must report any threats or discussions about weapons and violence. Also, they must stay in touch with the students' parents in order to be aware of any emotional problems the students could possibly be facing that could alter their behavior in school.

**Citations:**
Bennett-Johnson, E. (2004, June). The root of school violence: Causes and recommendations for a plan of action. //College Student Journal//. 38(2), 199-202. Retrieved from []

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Article two:
Ashley Brown

YOUTH **//VIOLENCE//**: **//CAUSES//** & SOLUTIONS


Over the past years violence in our school systems has spread to a nationwide epidemic. Violence can now be found in all levels of the school system; even elementary children are turning to violence. Research has come up with many different underlying causes that could lead a child to acts of violence, causes that include: exposure to violence in the home, the bad economy, television programs, video games and bullying.

**__ Television programs and video games: __** In today’s society children have incorporated watching TV into their daily schedules. This wouldn’t be that bad if children were watching educational programs that helped them learn new things, but the fact of the matter is children would prefer to watch a show where things are blown up and characters are fighting then to watch something with educational value. Shows such as Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and even Tom and Jerry all have violence in them. In these shows kids are taught that there are no consequences to violence. For example in the superhero shows the hero always wins and he wins by acts of violence. But even though the hero hurts the villain he never gets in trouble for it because the villain deserved it, right? Superheroes have always been little kids’ idols, I mean who wouldn’t want to be a superhero? So when a kid picks on you at recess you should use violence to take him down because after all he is the “bad guy”, right?. The same logic applies to violent video games. In most video games there is some sort of violent behavior.

**__ Violence at home and bullying: __** Kids usually learn by watching others. A baby learns how to take their first step by watching and imitating the parents, monkey see monkey do. But if a child grows up in an environment that is constantly surrounded by violence, then what does the child learn? The child could then learn that if his dad hits his mom then it’s okay to hit others because dad doesn’t receive a punishment when he does it. Also, if there is violence in the home such as the parents hitting the child, this could lead to the child having pent up aggression towards the parents that he might one day take out on everyone that has hurt him. This release of aggression due to violence at home could also explain why kids turn to violence after being bullied. Studies show that kids who are constantly teased and bullied are more likely to show violent behaviors when they get older. media type="custom" key="7072707" align="center"

**__ Bad economic situation: __** As the economy continues to get worse most families are not able to cope with the stress and worrying that comes along with losing their jobs, homes and personal belongings. With this stress of the family and the violence of TV and video games it’s no surprise that many children have turned to violence as the answer to their problems.

Ways to help prevent violence: In order to stop violence in the home children should be allowed only a limited amount of time with the television. Also parents should set aside time each week to spend with there children. Studies show that kids with absentee parents are more likely to become violent when they become adults. School systmes should set up a safe plan, and all faculty must work together so that this plan can be seen through. Teachers and students should also report if a classmate or student seem sto be having emotional trouble. Citations: Brown, David E. (Oct. 1994). Youth Violence: Causes & Solutions. //Thrust for Educational Leadership.// 24(2). 10 Retrieved from:[]

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