Lock Down
Many students around the country agree on one thing, the school shooting in Colorado is likely to mean more security at their own school. But some kids are beginning to feel more like prisoners than students. They are trapped inside for their own protection. Kids say that brings a frustration that can cause trouble.
“If I’m sitting next to a person I don’t really get along with and they’re really making me feel uncomfortable, I just can’t get up and move or the teacher will write me up. It’s like being in a prison,” says 17- year-old Regis.
Some teens say they feel like all students are lumped into the same group, potential trouble makers. They have no where to turn when conflict occurs.
School administrators sensitive to the problem say it’s important for teachers to be flexible. “If teachers have a student who wants to walk out, don’t block the door, just simply let administrators know that you have a student who needs to leave and let them go to the counselor,” says Joann Williams-West, a principal. Kids say it’s important for parents, teachers and counselors to be available so students have a place to vent frustrations.
What Parents Should Know
The National Association of Elementary School Principals offers the following advice for families trying to combat violence.
- Start teaching kids early to respect others.
- Respect school rules. Families should be consistent about school rules at home.
- Don’t allow children to have access to a dangerous weapon without adult supervision.
- Know your kids’ teachers, friends, and their parents.
- Eliminate or limit violence in kids’ everyday lives. Eliminate video games, TV programs and movies that condone or encourage violence.
- Act responsibly. Parents of school kids must always know where their kids are and what they are doing especially during the critical period between the end of the school day and when parents return home.
- Learn how to say no to your kids. Children should be taught that they are expected to accept it when parents tell them no.
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“I just can’t get up and move or the teacher will write me up, it’s just like being in a prison.” --Regis, age 17 |
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Living in Fear It’s tough to live with the threat of violence. Parents should watch for the following signs that a child is afraid or may be experiencing a violent and tense environment at school.
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Safe Schools *The National School Safety Center encourages parents to get involved in local schools and make sure proper policies are in place to keep kids safe. *Every school should have a safe schools plan that encompasses the development of a district wide crime prevention policy, in service training, crisis preparation, interagency cooperation, and student and parent participation. *Rather than reacting out of fear when a negative situation arises, it is important to be proactive and help create successful schools by getting involved at the local level. A good place to start is your child’s school. |
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Resources
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National
School Safety Center |
For
more information on parenting issues contact us: Connecting with Kids |