As school systems and educational institutions reopen for another year, lesson plans can be overshadowed by the potential risk of misbehavior and violence. School leaders can help address concerns by reviewing their school violence prevention plan and crisis response strategy with their employees. In addition, it can be beneficial to involve students and parents because a return to the classroom can have an impact on student behavior.

How can schools prevent violence?

Having a formal plan developed to help prepare for and respond to an emergency is essential in creating a safe environment for teachers and students. As lockdown drills become more common in schools across the U.S., students and parents may wonder how safe their school is. Preventing school violence is not easy. However, preparedness can give schools a good foundation for safety. This can include prevention and early intervention strategies, as well as recognizing early warning signs and community interaction.

What helps make a school safer?

Strategies for preventing and responding to school violence can be more efficient in communities that focus on the following:

• Emphasizing academic achievement,
• Engaging in meaningful family relationships,
• Providing close ties to community resources,
• Offering student support from school staff,
• Discussing safety issues openly,
• Treating students equitably and with respect,
• Creating ways for students to share concerns,
• Helping children feel safe while expressing their emotions,
• Having a system to refer victims of suspected abuse or neglect,
• Offering extended before- and after-school programs for children,
• Promoting good citizenship and character,
• Identifying problems and assess progress towards solutions,
• Supporting students in making the transition to adult life and workplace,
• Educating students and school community on signs of violence,
• Giving students and communities a voice, and
• Understanding mental health among youth and teens.

Youth and teens mental health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports one in six U.S. youth, ages 6-17, experience a mental health disorder every year. NAMI claims half of those conditions start by age 14 with behavior problems, and anxiety and depression are among the issues most commonly diagnosed. In the past year, about half of students with mental health conditions received treatment, according to NAMI, a nonprofit partner of The Hartford.

What are the warning signs of a troubled student?

Teachers and school officials should know how to recognize and identify behavioral or emotional problems in a student. While behavioral or emotional problems do not necessarily result in school violence, they are indicators that the student needs help. Being able to recognize those signs and being proactive to offer ways to help is a critical part of student safety.