Edition No. 16

Fear Has No Place In Our Schools

Every School Needs A Prevention Program

Traditionally schools have been safe havens for youth. A place to avoid street violence. Unfortunately, manifestations of that street violence have encroached on our schools. Bullying, possession and use of weapons, substance abuse and violence seem to be a part of our schools now.

A 1993 national school based survey that polled a representative sample of high school students showed that students fear for their personal safety at school or traveling to or from school, caused as many as 4.4% of the responding students to miss a day of school each month.

In 1996, nearly half of the respondents to a telephone survey of 1,300 public high school students, reported that drugs and violence are serious problems in their schools.

"For many school-age children, fear is a realistic response to conditions in and around their schools. The adverse effects of this fear are far reaching and often long lasting. When fear keeps children out of the classroom, it limits their prospects and their potential contributions to society." Shay Bilchik, Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Programs.

In August. 1993, USA WEEKEND published an unscientific survey, the results of which were based on the written answers of 65,193 students (6th through 12th grades). 63% reported they would learn more at school if they felt safer; 43% avoided restrooms; 20% hallways; and 45% avoided the school grounds.

A 1994 national survey of parents of public schools 3rd through 12th graders indicated that 40% of parents of high school students were "very or somewhat worried" about their child's safety while in school or going to and from school.

Bullying: The violent acts featured in the headlines are not the only concern of today's school grounds, nor the most common. Among the problems confronting students and schools is "bullying." It is insidious and fear-inducing because of its common occurrence at school and away from the notice of adults.Today, bullying is rightfully being recognized for what it is: an abusive behavior that often leads to greater and prolonged violent behavior. School yard bullying, which occurs in kindergarten through 12th grade includes many different behaviors from what some may call minor offenses to the more serious criminal acts. Name calling, fistfights, intentional ostracism, extortion, character assignation, repeated physical attacks and sexual harassment are bullying tactics.

There are a variety of prevention programs designed to eliminate bullying from school life. In an effort to make our schools and communities safer for our children, it is important that parents, educators, and policymakers be encouraged to support these programs for schoolwide violence and drug use and abuse, including bullying.