Our Complacency Facilitates Violence
Why are our children killing each other? How can we stop the seemingly random and unpredictable violence in America’s schools? Today, we all feel sorrow, frustration and helplessness because there are no simple answers to these questions. And, tragically, because 15 more people are dead.
President Clinton has asked Americans to pray for the students, teachers and parents terrorized in Littleton, Colo., by the mass murder at Columbine High School. We agree with the sentiment behind his call for prayer but also believe more direct, concrete action is needed to stop the bloodshed.
In general, we know what works. Aggressive prevention and early intervention are proven to reduce violence among our youth. “School safety is everyone’s job,” reads a report from the National School Safety Center. “Teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and students all must commit to meeting the challenge of getting help for children who show signs of being troubled.” The problem is, our nation’s schools are simply not prepared. Teachers and school administrators are not trained to be social service providers. There are few, if any, school counselors in elementary schools, where the warning signs first become noticeable. Most counselors at the middle schools and high schools are far too busy helping hundreds of students with their class schedules to do any real intervention.
One striking similarity in all of the school shootings in recent years is that the perpetrators felt rejected and psychologically victimized. As a result, they became isolated and began engaging in anti-social behavior. Students, parents and teachers knew these were troubled kids but in most cases either ignored or didn’t recognize the warning signs.
“Everyone who cares about children cares about ending violence,” continues the school safety report. “It is time to break the silence that too often characterizes even the most well-meaning school communities.”
Over the next few days, The Spokesman-Review editorial board will examine potential solutions for our schools, our community and our culture. Some of the solutions address school policies and procedures. Others include spending money on school security and such preventive measures as more school counselors.
The ultimate solution does not rest solely with the schools but with the entire community. We all need to communicate better with our children to find out what’s causing fear and anxiety at our schools and what can be done about it.
We must break the silence. Talk to your children. There’s too much at stake.