NCJ Number
191352
Journal
Educational Review Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 65-73
Date Published
2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article identifies the causes and strategies for the prevention of school violence and adolescent suicide, with a focus on a holistic, integrated prevention model.
Abstract
The connection between violence and suicide in the United States is alarming. Research has shown that many of the same negative societal changes that contribute to violent behavior also contribute to adolescent suicide. The majority of violence-prevention programs target the areas of parental involvement, gang activity, drugs, and conflict-resolution skills. Such programs are being piloted in middle schools/junior high and senior high schools, with little attention paid to the problem at the elementary level. Other programs, including police partnerships/liaisons, use of advanced security technologies, and removal of lockers, have also been tried, but the results of these efforts have been less than successful in overcoming the problem of school violence. Suicide prevention programs are also often implemented after the fact and deal with posttraumatic reaction rather than prevention. Programs to combat adolescent suicide have been developed at an even lower rate than those directed toward violence prevention and are often begun as a reactive plan after a suicide has occurred. The model presented in this article was based on the conclusions of a national study conducted by the authors of this paper. The study surveyed teachers, site administrators, and district administrators in 15 school districts in 12 States. The model developed focused on family inclusion, the evolution of teacher/administrator roles, student success, conflict mediation, and media intervention. 3 tables, 1 figure, and 42 references