SCHOOL VIOLENCE 1 of all homicides among schoolaged

SCHOOL VIOLENCE < 1% of all homicides among school-aged children (5 -19) occur in or around school grounds or on the way to and from school

The mix has become appallingly predictable: volcanic anger, no skills to vent the anger or ease the pain, no trusted adult to turn to, and accessibility of firearms. Result: wounded or even dead students, faculty, and staff at schools in all parts of our nation.

Are our schools safe? • One death per million student - a year • 13 years in school = one in about 107, 000 of a violent death in school, on school property, or while commuting to school • The homicide rate was nine times higher in urban schools as in rural ones

FACTS • Who dies: – 65% of school-associated violent deaths were students – 11% were teachers or other staff members – 23% were community members • 83% of school homicide or suicide victims were males • Where: – 28% of the fatal injuries happened inside the school building – 36% occurred outdoors on school property – 35% occurred off campus

• The most important influences on violence are environmental. • "They're frustrated, angry, in some pain, not getting everything they want. They feel like victims. They have no concern about others -they don't think about others. It's all about who they are and what they want. ” • Overheating, crowding, isolation and uncomfortable conditions promote aggression CAUSES? ?

WARNING SIGNS OF SOMEONE WHO MAY COMMIT ACTS OF VIOLENCE!! • • Lack of interest in school • • Depression or mood swings • • Seeing self as always the victim • • History of bullying • • Cruelty to pets or other animals • Artwork or writing that is bleak or violent or that depicts isolation or anger Involvement with or interest in gangs • Self-isolation from family and friends • Talking constantly about weapons or violence • Talking about bringing weapons to school • Obsessions with things like violent games and TV shows Absence of age-appropriate anger control skills Persistent disregard for or refusal to follow rules Bringing a weapon (any weapon) to school Misplaced or unwarranted jealousy

WHAT TO DO? ? • Resolve the conflicts • Don't panic • Watch the kids • Repair the society • Make access to handguns harder and make guns safer • Improve access to prenatal and neonatal health care • Improve the schools serving our most at-risk portions of the population • Create/support norms that do not tolerate violence or strong aggression • Create/redevelop sound resources for high-risk kids and families.