Stemming Youth Violence Requires Help of Community

The specter of school violence is a dark cloud hanging over every person who cares about children.

Since 1992, there have been at least 25 multiple-victim homicides committed on or near school campuses across the United States. Because of these deadly shootings, school violence has become the focus of national attention.

Although statistics tell us that youth violence is declining overall, the number of multiple-victim events continues to rise. Violent events in schools are still rare occurrences yet they are nevertheless extremely traumatic and touch almost every adult or child in some way.

As awful as these tragedies have been, we must resist the temptation to turn our schools into fortresses where children are captives to fear. There has been considerable dialogue about violence in the schools with the underlying causes still subject to much speculation.

One thing everyone does agree upon is that there are no quick solutions. School boards across the country have adopted zero-tolerance policies on drugs and weapons in schools. Some campuses have security officers and metal detectors. Tougher gun laws have been enacted, as well as sweeping overhauls of juvenile justice systems, allowing juveniles who commit certain violent crimes to be tried as adults.

More recently, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District in Orange County has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. Law enforcement agencies have increased prevention programs and improved tactics for responding to school shootings. Our community is also blessed to have wonderful organizations such as the Scouts, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, City Impact and many other social, religious and sporting institutions reaching out to young people.

Parents often ask me what they can do in response to the threat of violence. The most important thing that any parent can do is to keep open the lines of communication with their children. In most cases of school violence there are early warning signs that, when viewed in context, are solid indicators of potential trouble. Although these indicators may not necessarily mean a child is prone to violence, they should not be ignored.

Some of the early warning signs might be:

* Social withdrawal.

* An excessive sense of isolation.

* Strong feelings of rejection.

* Feelings of being picked on and persecuted.

* Being a victim of violence.

* Low academic performance or interest in school.

* Expression of violence in writings and drawings.

* Uncontrolled anger.

* History of discipline problems.

* Bullying behavior.

* History of violent and aggressive behavior.

* Intense prejudicial attitudes.

* Drug and alcohol use.

* Affiliation with gangs.

* Serious threats of violence.

* Inappropriate access to or possession of firearms.

It goes without saying that adults should never leave firearms unlocked or in a place accessible to children.

A recent study pointed out several actions that differentiated parents of children who had serious problems from those whose children stayed out of trouble. The latter:

* Had dinner together regularly as a family.

* Imposed a curfew.

* Participated in religious activities with their children.

* Communicated that drugs, alcohol and violence would not be tolerated.

Those findings demonstrate the importance of communication and imparting values.

Students who have been the targets of threats experience real trauma and uncertainty about their safety. Children who have been threatened or fear violence may also need adult counseling and guidance. In the past few weeks, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Dept. has conducted investigations leading to the arrests of students who have made serious threats of violence toward their classmates or teachers.

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Students and friends also play a crucial role in preventing violence. Children who have committed acts of violence in the schools in many cases have alerted peers of their plans. Threats such as these should be taken seriously and communicated to the appropriate school or law enforcement authorities. Programs such as “We Tip” and “Crime Stoppers” provide avenues for sharing information anonymously. A horrific incident may have been averted had someone alerted authorities in time.

Anyone who cares about children also cares about ending school violence. Laws, tactics and even state-of-the art programs will never fully address this problem. Safety in the schools is everyone’s responsibility. Parents, other family members, schools, churches, youth organizations and the community all must make a commitment to reach out to one child at a time.