The links below connect to resources for helping students and your school community by working to prevent violence.
According
to the October 2006 "Violence Prevention E-Brief" from the Chicago
Department of Public Health, written in response to the nationwide
incidence of school violence in September-October 2006: Schools
are the safest place for children -- safer than the street, the mall,
or even the home. According to the Justice Policy Institute, 99 percent
of children's deaths occur away from school, after hours, and during
holidays. It's important that schools are safe havens for learning.
Some
of us argue for "hard" responses such as metal detectors, added
security personel, and zero-tolerance for weapons possession. Others
favor "soft" solutions that include more counseling,
conflict-resolution programs, and better communications between school
and home.
It will take a combination of both
approaches, administered with reason and centered in respect, to keep
our children -- along with the education employees who work in our
schools -- safe from harm.
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