Since the return of in-person classes post-pandemic, teachers have been reporting more incidents of violence on campuses across the U.S., according to Education Week.
Violent behaviors among adolescents are nothing new. Bullying, playground tussles, and other aggressive behaviors have always existed. However, the increase in the number of incidents and their severity disrupts learning and can impact students, teachers, and communities for years to come.
Prevention efforts make a difference. The CDC reports that violence prevention efforts by parents, students, teachers, and community members do reduce violence and create more positive school environments.
What Is School Violence?
All acts of violence that occur on school property are considered school violence. However, many experts categorize violent acts into these five distinct types:
- Physical fights, such as hitting, slapping, kicking, or pushing
- The use of weapons
- Gang violence
- Bullying and cyberbullying (online bullying)
- Sexual violence, including harassment and threats
The number of physical fights may be decreasing, but other forms of violence are increasing. Sexual violence and the use of weapons are both on the rise.
Causes of Violence in Middle Schools
Understanding the reasons for middle school violence is key to finding solutions. While these reasons are complicated and region-dependent, the more people can learn about the causes of violence in middle schools, the better prepared they will be to do something about it.
Social Factors
Every school has cliques and social divisions among students. While this may be unavoidable, it can also be harmful, especially if some students are consistently left out of social interactions.
Pressure from peers, bullying, and isolation from social circles leave some students feeling angry and frustrated. Without the coping skills or support to navigate these difficult waters, students may lash out at teachers, parents, and other students.
Environmental Factors
A student’s environment includes their neighborhood, their family, and the school itself. A child who sees violent behavior regularly is more likely to view that behavior as acceptable. School violence prevention programs can help create a positive environment that influences individual students and entire communities.
Individual Factors
Many personal factors influence a student’s behavior. Students who are victims of or exposed to violence in the home, along with those living with family members who have untreated mental illnesses, may be at higher risk for violent behaviors. A student’s mental health is also an important factor.
Effects of Violence on Students
The effects of middle school violence can be long-lasting and are not always immediately apparent. Teachers and students may see formerly successful students begin to struggle academically after they become victims of violence. Absenteeism and dropout rates may increase overall in schools where violence is a consistent problem.
While the impact on grades and absenteeism can have long-term consequences on a student’s academic career, educational success isn’t the only concern.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Being the victim of or witnessing violence has been linked to these behavioral, emotional, and psychological problems:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance use disorder
- A higher risk of perpetuating violence, including domestic violence
If unaddressed, these problems can also increase the risk of arrest and incarceration.
Social Consequences
Children who have perpetuated, been exposed to, or been victimized by violence in middle schools may have difficulty making friends and building healthy relationships. This could lead to isolation that lasts throughout the school years and into adulthood.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
With so many different factors linked to middle school violence — many of them out of a teacher’s or parent’s control — what can be done? It can seem like the problem of middle school violence is too big to solve.
The good news is that there are many effective strategies for reducing school violence and building a positive atmosphere where children can thrive.
Role of Schools
Schools play an integral role in reducing middle school violence and promoting a positive climate.
Conflict resolution training teaches students and adults how to manage difficult situations peacefully. Anti-bullying programs like Rachel’s Challenge empower teachers, students, and parents to work together toward a more supportive school environment.
Involvement of Parents and Community
Reducing violence in middle schools starts at home. Parents and concerned community members can educate themselves about the causes of violence and learn how to set positive examples. Parents can also look for support programs to connect with other community members and share ideas about how to help.
Government and Policy Measures
Contact local government and law enforcement officials to learn more about your community’s anti-violence policies and how they are being enforced. Advocating for better mental health support in your community is also essential. Learn what you can do to help connect those who need mental health support with available resources.
How Educators and Parents Can Help
Preventing violence in middle schools is the goal, and prevention begins with identifying warning signs. Educators and parents can learn the early and imminent signs that a student is at risk of being victimized or perpetuating violence. Some of these include:
- Social withdrawal
- Poor academic performance
- Patterns of impulsive behavior
- Easy access to firearms
- History of discipline problems
- Expressing feelings of isolation or persecution
- Destroying property
- Threatening violence
- Excessive anger or rage
Teachers who identify warning signs of violence should contact parents and other appropriate officials immediately.
Parents can help by teaching children problem-solving skills, acknowledging their child’s feelings without judgment, and involving them in solution-oriented activities. Mental health support can help children who are struggling socially or academically.
You Can Help Reduce Violence in Middle Schools
Violence in middle schools is a national problem. A single young life taken by school violence is intolerable, but every year, thousands of children suffer the emotional and psychological consequences of violent acts at school.
There are solutions. Together, parents, students, educators, and caring community members can reduce school violence nationwide. Learn more by contacting Rachel’s Challenge today.
