Programs to end violence and bullying are hot topics in a lot of schools across America today. In light of the recent shootings at Virginia Tech University, school violence continues to be top of mind for many parents.
   Such violence “is a wakeup call, and I think that we are only partly awake,” said Kristy Hagar, Ph.D., a psychologist at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. “We need to constantly be vigilant and to provide resources to kids in school so that they can feel and be safe.”
   Violence at school doesn't refer just to students with weapons, but to any behavior that hurts another person physically or psychologically, Hagar said. Violence can include assault, bullying, extreme teasing or intimidation, and it can be directed against students or staff.
   “Schools still are generally very safe, and although awareness is up, we must do a better job teaching students, parents and teachers how to cope with behaviors like bullying,” Hagar said. “Parents should develop and maintain a collaborative relationship with the school and the teachers to assure the best educational environment for their children.”

   She says schools must:

• Enforce strict rules with a zero tolerance for bullying.
• Clearly communicate expectations and repercussions for violating the rules.

   “You actually can teach children to stand up straight, throw their shoulders back, look [the bully] in the eye and say 'I'm not going to take this,’” Hagar said.

Curbing school violence
Students and others who are on the verge of violence usually show warning signs, Hagar said. The Center for the Study of Prevention and Violence said the signs include:

• Social withdrawal
• Excessive feelings of isolation and being alone
• Excessive feelings of rejection
• Being a victim of violence
• Feelings of being picked on and persecuted
• Low school interest and poor academic performance
• Expression of violence in writings and drawings
• Uncontrolled anger
• Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating and bullying behaviors
• History of discipline problems
• Past history of violent and aggressive behavior
• Intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitudes
• Drug and alcohol use
• Affiliation with gangs
• Inappropriate access to, possession, of and us of firearms
• Serious threats of violence        

Below are ideas for parents to help prevent violence:

• Serve as a role model by handling anger in a rational way.
• Be accessible and listen to your kids.
• Encourage your child to report bullying to you and to a trusted person at school.
• Coach your child on how to avoid a bully.
• Talk with your child about violence and its consequences.
• Teach your child to solve problems without violence.
• Get involved in your child's school life.
• Work with the school to make it more responsive.

Resources:
Children’s Medical Center