Violence in the Schools

What are the differences between conflict and violence? If two students are yelling at one another, is that violence? If they are yelling and shoving, is it violence? If they are making threats toward each other, is that violence? The answers are not always clear. Each person, each family, each school, and each community may have a unique definition of conflict and violence.

Conflict is a natural part of relating to others. Conflict is also a great teacher. When handled well, it can increase our understanding of ourselves and lay the foundation for creative solutions. However, conflict too often leads to violence.

What do we know about violence in the schools? Sometimes, it seems inevitable. Educator Leroy Robinson tells us that secondary students' ". . . bodies and emotions are changing and the students are together for eight hours a day. There are going to be some types of altercations."

Is this a "big city" problem? Chuck Hibbert tells us that "Violence knows no urban, suburban, or rural limitations. It can happen anywhere."

When does conflict become violent? Chuck Hibbert states it succinctly, "If you have conflict between two individuals that results in physical altercation, that is violence." Others see nonphysical acts such as threats, name-calling, harassment, or stalking as violence.

Most agree that if one student aims a gun at another student, that student is being violent. Others assert that verbal abuse is violence. Heidi Durig teaches German at an all-girl school. She reports that physical violence is practically non-existent. Instead, she suggests that "psychological violence"such as ". . . back-stabbing, name calling, rumor mongoring, tattling, and even stealing other girls' boyfriends" is more prevalent

Whatever the definition, many adults worry about the negative effects of conflict and violence in our schools. In this issue of Teacher Talk, Forum participants talk about the nature of conflict in the schools. We expect that it will inform you, provoke new questions, and inspire you to learn more about this serious topic.