Contact: Maridith Geuder
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Everyone has a responsibility for safe schools
An opinion piece by T. Steuart Watson, Ph.D.
Dr. Watson is a professor of school psychology at Mississippi State University and the author of "Crime in Schools: Reducing Fear and Disorder Through Student Problem-Solving." He has helped school systems in North Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, and Washington implement the problem-solving approach.
The images from tragic school scenes such as Pearl, Jonesboro and Littleton have become too familiar and too frequent, creating a fearful expectation: we don't want to believe that violence can occur in our schools, but we fear that rage and destructive behavior are pervasive. We fear that violence could erupt without warning, in our own communities, among our own children.
While no school system in America can guarantee it will never happen, violence is not an inevitable possibility waiting for the collision of circumstances. It can be reduced and contained. Every parent, student and school official carries a responsibility to be part of the solution.
What can we do? Probably more than we realize. From working with school systems around the country, I believe a few universal rules apply regardless of school size, geography or culture.
--School safety begins at home. A Trench Coat Mafia doesn't spring full-blown from the frustrations of its participants. There are early and continuing indications of trouble.
Parents actively involved with their kids will recognize problems long before they become destructive action. Responsible parents know what their kids do, who their friends are and if those friends provide an acceptable and healthy influence. They listen, observe and create an atmosphere in which a child can discuss concerns.
They will know if their kids are having academic or social problems. Parents should be concerned, for instance, if a child has difficulty making friends or if grades suddenly slide. Help from a counselor or school psychologist may forestall later, more serious, problems.
Responsible parents monitor their children's exposure to violence. If there is violence in the parental relationship-heated confrontations, spousal abuse-they should seek counseling for themselves, and, if necessary, for the family. Responsible parents monitor television viewing to limit violence and know something about the music their kids are listening to. If there are guns in the home, they make sure kids don't have access to them.
Parents also should establish clear expectations for behavior and be consistent in enforcing discipline without physical violence. Taking away privileges or assigning additional chores might be appropriate responses to unacceptable behavior.
Finally, parents should think of themselves as citizens of their children's schools. If there are concerns, they should take the initiative to talk to school officials and, as much as possible, be involved in school activities. In issues of school safety, there should be no in loco parentis.
--Students should help broaden school safety efforts. Safety should be more than the absence of violence. We should expect our schools to be free of bullying, intimidation and threats as well. Students can play active roles in establishing a culture of tolerance and communication.
They also can be strong first-line defenses in identifying situations that may escalate into danger. If they overhear threats, if they're threatened or if they see a weapon at school, students must take responsibility-and should feel free-to report the concern. They should know that their school listens and is prepared to respond.
Students also should be keen observers of other safety issues, ranging from unleashed animals to careless drivers to environmental hazards.
--Schools must communicate safety as a core value. Every school should have a school safety team that includes teachers, parents, students, and administrators. This group should meet regularly--at least once a month-and all concerns should be on the table for discussion. Presenting a problem and finding a way to solve it can head off a devastating crisis.
School leaders should clearly articulate expectations for student behavior. During the first assembly, the principal should outline school policies about bullying, weapons and other safety issues. Students should know established procedures for responding to threats, and they should know that all threats are taken seriously until proved otherwise. When a safety issue is reported, students must be secure in knowing that the school will respond immediately and definitively.
Dspite all precautions, schools should prepare for the worst. In the unlikely instance of a violent event, having a crisis plan and having practiced it regularly will ensure stabilizing a volatile situation more quickly.
Schools in our country generally have outstanding safety records. Assuring positive, violent-free learning environments for our children is a shared responsibility that involves families, students and school communities. No one among us can afford to take school security for granted.
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