NCJ Number
183490
Date Published
December 1997
Length
65 pages
Annotation
This paper evaluates a childhood violence prevention program in Chicago.
Abstract
One of the more serious consequences of children being subjected to or witnessing chronic violence is that the children can become missocialized into a model of fear and violence, and become aggressive and violent themselves. By age eight, patterns of aggression are so well established that aggression is likely to continue unless there is intervention. In response to the increasing problem of children experiencing violence, both as victims and witnesses, an educational tool for school-age children -- Let’s Talk About Living in a World with Violence -- was developed. This workbook-based program was designed to help children process their thoughts, feelings and experiences related to violence and help change the way they think about violence (i.e., that violence is acceptable and justifiable) and change their aggressive behavior. A total of 416 children, evenly divided between third and sixth grade, living in moderate and high-violence communities in Chicago participated in the program. For urban children who are well positioned (third graders in moderately violent communities), teachers who use the program as intended (i.e., are comfortable with the program, integrate its curriculum with other subjects, and use program concepts in conflict situations), the program can make a difference. Bibliography, tables, figures