Unedited Brainstorming Results
All the Students Thoughts, Just as They Presented
Them
This section is organized as follows:
6.0 Appendix – Unedited Brainstorming Results
6.1 Brainstorm for actions needed to prevent
School violence
6.2 Brainstorming - Future Vision - Year 2020
6.2.1 Brainstorm things that eliminated the
causes of violence
6.2.2 Brainstorm things that prevent violence
from happening
6.2.3 Brainstorm on things that an individual
might be concerned about in 2020
6.2.4 Brainstorm on Societal Concerns
6.2.5 Brainstorm on reactions to less violence
6.2.6 Brainstorm on governmental concerns
6.2.7 Brainstorm on other subjects related
to the absence of violence in 2020
6.3 Coping with Violent Behavior
6.3.1 Causes of violent behavior among teenagers
6.3.2 Ways to protect yourself against violent
behavior
6.3.3 Ways to avoid violence
6.3.4 Ways to prevent violence
6.3.5 Recommendations for teachers and school
officials
6.3.6 Recommendations for parents
6.3.7 Recommendations for law enforcement
officers
6.3.8 Recommendations for other students
6.3.9 Other observations and comments
6.4 Is Violence Inevitable?
6.4.1 Violence is inevitable
6.4.2 Violence is NOT inevitable
6.5 Lateral Thinking about Coping with Violence
6.0 Appendix – Unedited Brainstorming Results
During the course of the two sessions, the students were given 7
brainstorming exercises related to violence. Some of the exercises
consisted of a single statement or premise and others contained a list
of premises. The students were encouraged to think freely on any
or all of the premises and submit single-thought comments. The typical
brainstorming exercise lasted less than 10 minutes and the longest about
20 minutes. The students generated almost 850 individual thoughts
during these sessions.
With each student being able to see the accumulated comments of the
other students, although anonymous, their own thinking was inspired by
the comments of other students. The brainstorming results were then
used in other processes with EMS as described in Section 2.
The results are presented here in the order created by the students.
You can observe discussion among the students to clarify points and you
can observe students corroborating prior comments. There are some
duplicates and some restating of ideas. This is primarily due to
similar thought processes, not mimicking another’s comments.
There are many good ideas in this section that did not survive the
process of elimination used by the students to pick their best ideas that
appear in Section 3. The reader is encouraged to scan the appendix
to glean the nuggets contained herein.
6.1 Brainstorm for actions needed to prevent
School violence
1. put cameras in school classrooms
2. massive gun control
3. metal detectors
4. earning self esteem
5. have severe punishments for violent acts...not just
suspension
6. have teachers teach self control and good moral
character in schools
7. Divide students up in groups like the "buddy system"
and have them keep an eye on everyone in there group
8. All violations of the rules should be punished on
the first offense, and all punishments should be severe, even for minor
offenses.
9. counselors on staff for advice
10. better teacher-student relationships
11. advancement in police protection
12. get students to inform officials when they hear
about impending violent acts
13. put corporeal punishment back into schools
14. There are more guns in the United States than there
are people...that's got to' make an impression...until we do something
about the quantity of guns, the problem will remain
15. schools need to set up a system to teach about
the bad thing about violence and watch out for things that may cause violence
16. teachers need to be on the same level as kids,
so they can understand us better and we can respect them
17. Have freedoms dependent directly on the behavior
of students. Responsible students should net have so many restrictions
placed upon them, while misbehaving students need more restrictions. The
idea of 'One Policy Fits All' is outdated and ineffective.
18. parent input into school activities and programs
19. counselors need to work on their reputation.
20. improved authoritative concern
21. psychology, at least elementary lessons, are not
too advanced to teach small children to help them recognize dangerous behavior
in others and themselves
22. all teachers must take a course in child psychology
23. More counselors should be provided for students,
and even more importantly, the quality of counselors need to be improved.
24. kids need to talk about violence and get it out
in the open that it's not cool
25. teachers check with parents of kid that they are
concerned about and discuss ways to solve their problems
26. Make teachers give an evaluation on each student
at the end of every week or month about any concerns they are having or
any changes they notice in the students
27. create a good learning atmosphere in schools
28. teach self respect at an early age 3,4
29. eliminate gangs
30. more strict monitoring by education systems of
employees
31. less warnings, more action
32. teacher background checks-for quality, psychological
disorders, temperament and police record
33. at least 1 security guard in each school
34. law enforcement officer comes to school and talks
about violence and how to prevent (mainly elementary schools)
35. authority figures need to care about what is going
on, not just make pointless rules and regulations
36. Problems need to be dealt with individually. Trying
to control all problems that might arise with blanket rules will not have
the desired effect.
37. deal with each student individually
38. government needs to restrict the purchase of guns
by households
39. teachers talk about racism and try to prevent at
an early age
40. Less emphasis should be placed on school sports
and other such activities, as such competition often causes violence. Example:
Shades Valley vs. Mountain Brook football game.
41. constantly keep kids doing things in school that
are entertaining and educational, not busywork
42. let students take responsibility for their own
actions and punish them strictly
43. keep kids busy in school so kids won't have to
go towards other things to pass the time
44. ask teens to talk to counselors whenever they have
a problem, and make sure the counselors are available when the teen finally
decides to come for help
45. overall, teachers need to start talking about how
violence is bad when kids are at an early age
46. constant reminder of the effects of violence and
the implications of violence in schools
47. cease to make school boring
48. show more concern from parents, teachers, law enforcement,
government etc.
49. provide a stable, constant support system for students
who need help with academic, social and home life-teachers, counselors
and students
50. Reduce the school year.. less time to be violent
leads to less violence.
51. allow parents to have the ability to do a
background check on any teacher or school official if their child claims
wrongful doing
52. give schools more power to punish
53. courses in modern thought so students can understand
the rules and regulations they must live under and why it is proper that
they should
54. let the children express themselves more in the
school
55. make classes enjoyable so kids can have a positive
experience
56. be fair in punishment, etc.
57. don't make principal and other teachers out to
be bad and punishing people
58. don't permit students to put down other students
59. develop more varied extracurricular activities
that involve the entire school community
60. ask teens about what they would want to change...
61. be positive and not just negative towards the students.
respect them.
62. trust the students; just because a certain student
can be a problem sometimes, that does not mean that he or she is necessarily
lying all the time
63. more chances to interact with others
64. Remove the "minor" classification from the penal
system. Kids aren't scared of the consequences of their violence,
because for minors the consequences aren't really all that bad.
65. stern talking towards kids doesn't seem to work
anymore, punish violent kids more severely
66. reduce the number of domestic abuse cases by setting
up a neighborhood watch in every community
67. don't foster differences between groups or clubs
in school-encourage everyone, not just the one that appeals to the individual
teacher
68. make learning interesting to keep child's mind
off of other violent actions
69. talk to violent kids and see what their problem
is and work together to solve it.
70. Juvenile Hall can sometimes be more "attractive"
than an abusive home life
71. counseling even when it is not necessary
72. be fair in dealing with students - no teachers'
pets
73. troublemakers need to be dealt with seriously,
don't just keep giving them the same old suspensions and punishments all
the time
74. violent kids need more "violent" consequences such
as forced labor
75. don't allow intense competition to arise among
students
76. Identify problem children early. Take necessary
action.
77. teachers should pick their favorite student and
least favorite student
78. have better attitudes towards the students.
79. don't make school like a prison
80. mass school spirit is dangerous
81. give kids a reason NOT to get violent
82. understand that violence, of any form, has a root
cause-don't automatically accuse and assume-innocent until proven guilty
83. encourage students to do more with their friends
(group activities, projects, etc.)
84. increase the consequences of violent acts and then
follow through--be consistent
85. if a teacher doesn't like one of their students,
they shouldn't tell them that or deny that student any privileges
86. parents need to encourage students to do their
best and not worry about bad grades if they know that the effort was the
best they could do
87. Teacher's should NOT pick a favorite student, as
other children would become jealous and resentful.
88. more extracurricular activities
89. pep rallies are feeding grounds for violence
90. smile
91. favoritism of students can cause major problems
with violent children
92. every student should be in some form of an extracurricular
activity
93. Don't encourage activities such as Pep Rallies.
They are a waste of teaching time and just give more time for violence
to occur.
94. increase the number of group activities in order
to allow students to interact more with one another
95. Be strict and firm but, be FAIR
96. Let the students know the punishments for violence
but don't give them any chances. punish them on their first offensive if
it involves violence.
97. don't do any things which may cause heavy competition
among students in the school
98. give people more credit as to capabilities of handling
responsibilities...we are allowed to drive cars, but can't have access
to comp.'s 'cause "we might mess them up"
99. encourage Pep
100. Schools should not try to harness and manipulate
students. This often occurs when they try to encourage competitiveness
in order to increase fund-raiser dividends or football ticket sales.
101. set up a student helpers group where students
help people that are distressed or angry
102. self control is a must in schools. Find
some way to relay that to the students
103. make it clear that wrongdoers are being punished
for what they did.. not who they are
104. accentuate and develop the options available to
students after school-there are other options besides one of hatred and
violence
105. encourage Pep Rallies.
106. a smile from a teacher, principal, janitor, student,
or anyone else passing in the hallway can make someone feel better
107. pep rallies are a way to release energy and brake
the tension of schoolwork
108. don't encourage pep...people resent being made
to do things
109. smile
110. sports are good outlets for aggression
111. set up the school to be a cheerful and peaceful
environment
112. psychological exams are required for some specialized
professions, but they should be extended to include everyone and should
be done at an early age. there ought to be subsequent reevaluations
every year. Students identified as trouble-makers should be more
closely tracked the same way some schools track gifted students and offer
special courses mandatory for those so they can get the kind of individual
attention they need
113. don't smile at violent people
114. smiling is a "hippie "response...it's not a real
solution
115. be Peppy
116. Sports should be privatized to the students personal
life. Pep rallies make a private interest a public affair. That is inappropriate
for a school system.
117. homework should be designed to make the student
learn, not overload them with busywork and stress them out to the point
of a severe migraine
118. agreed
119. don't reduce the harshness of a punishment just
because the student is a good athlete or makes good grades; treat everyone
the same
120. extra-curricular activities often hatch the anger
which carries through school
121. smiling has been proven in psychology to boost
the levels of serotonin in your brain...the chemical that makes you feel
happy
122. teachers should not scold a student who makes
a bad grade. They should offer assistance or private tutoring
123. respect us and you'll earn your respect
124. everyone should undergo a psychological test
125. get rid of trouble makers at the first sign
126. Extracurricular activities should be just that..
"Extra" to the "curriculum".. Time should not be allocated for them during
the school day, as that is time that useful learning could occur.
Extracurricular activities should be reserved for before and after school.
127. happy...one of those self-defined words....N/A
128. Students should be encouraged to participate in
appropriate activities that contribute to society. In the end, that will
be far more effective than any outlet for aggression.
129. Develop discipline programs that focus on the
offender, not the student body as a whole.
130. Significantly reduce violence on TV
131. Teach that there are absolutes - right and wrong
132. active participation by administrators, teachers,
parents, students in discipline
133. Have teen honor boards to deal with offenses
134. Encourage family values both in and out of school
135. incorporate conflict resolution as part of the
curriculum in multiple grade levels
136. Respect the teen. He's not bad until he
proves himself so.
137. Reward good behavior
138. Don't talk down to students
139. utilization of court system to address severe
discipline problems
140. Develop incentives for good behavior
141. remove disruptive student immediately with special
program to address their needs
142. Remember how stressful the teen years are and
communicate with students.....parents and teachers both
143. Return to teaching fundamental issues, reading,
writing, arithmetic.
144. organize opportunities for teens of diverse backgrounds
to interact
145. See the child as the object to be developed, not
tolerated
146. Try to reduce the availability and access to weapons
147. establish community based programs to involve
community in supporting strong discipline
148. add more counseling resources for our schools
149. Reward creativity and individuality rather than
uniformity
150. require good conduct from students and parents
151. Allow the parents to be involved in education
152. There needs to be positive reinforcement for good
behavior and grades rather than isolation and ridicule
153. Limit media attention to school violence.
Do not make it a national or even regional story.
154. Remind students to do their best both academically,
morally and ethically
155. limit media attention to school discipline problems
until situation fully understood
156. Keep score. Life does.
157. Teach that its alright to fail, but not to quit.
158. restrict youth access to firearms through legislation
159. implement college tuition program that provides
financial reward for students not involved in any discipline problems
160. allow students to critique teachers in each class.
confidentially
161. Find ways to incorporate the teaching of students
to develop self respect and confidence in themselves
162. start good discipline program in early grades
K-5, hold parents responsible
163. evaluate teachers on the critiques
164. always use team approach to handling discipline,
not isolated to one person
165. Don't be so worried about the self esteem of the
offender as in helping him accept the responsibility for his actions
166. security officers or police officers need to be
in schools
167. Eliminate problem teachers and administrators.
Nobody should be beyond scrutiny.
168. do not allow "foul" or "bad" language in schools
169. Let kids be kids
170. hold administrators more accountable in cases
of incompetent handling of violence-prone students
171. Let offenders face a jury of their peers who recommend
appropriate action to administration
172. require respect among students, teachers, administrators
173. Require school uniforms
174. Get students involved in helping others in the
community - to develop that mindset
175. Teach kids that life is not always fair.....it
isn't and we all know that.
176. Fairly apply the rules already in place for student
conduct
177. Require at least one extra curricular activity
for each student
178. allow schools to implement discipline programs
such
as cutting grass, painting, etc. not just expulsion
179. Give principals more power to remove poor teachers
180. Specifically help students develop life goals
and ideas on how to achieve them
6.2 Brainstorming - Future Vision - Year 2020
Project forward to the year 2020. Presume that there is no
school violence. Consider the list of topics below and comment as
you choose.
6.2.1 Brainstorm things that eliminated
the causes of violence-
1. racism is gone
2. everyone will be equal
3. punishments are more severe
4. "Problem" children are identified very early and
dealt with through intensive counseling.
5. security will be top-notch
6. gun control
7. parents would be more loving
8. A Ph.D. is now required to teach any subject at
school.. in addition, a psychology minor is required.
9. everyone recycles everything
10. violence probably won't decrease-if nothing else,
get worse, though not necessarily in schools
11. education becomes more of a continuing, self-initiated,
and private enterprise
6.2.2 Brainstorm things that prevent violence
from happening
1. more law enforcement officers
2. Even small crimes, such as speeding tickets and
jay walking, are severely punished. Thus little crime exists.
3. offenders are quickly dealt with
4. teens will be independent yet better at making life
related decisions
6.2.3 Brainstorm on things that an individual
might be concerned about in 2020.
1. higher divorce rate
2. Higher self esteem
3. self control is rampant
4. people have moral values
5. no more fantasy world
6. better awareness of right and wrong
7. hard work and effort are rewarded
8. Everyone understands that life isn't fair.
6.2.4 Brainstorm on Societal Concerns
1. greater technology allows for better education and
entertainment
2. better anti-drug programs
3. it's not what I see...it's what I don't see....guns
4. can't we have a better sense of community
5. teens and parents are more open with each other
6. censorship = what you want to watch at the time
7. racism is almost eliminated
8. the terms "cool" and "uncool" will have lost all
meaning
9. The characteristics encouraged in children will
no longer be so gender typed (i.e., 'macho' or whatever) as they are today.
Academics will have the social focus.
10. more sophisticated weapons
11. there aren't outcasts
12. everyone is accepted for who they are. not
on some superficial values
13. people consider their family as their friends
14. the only civil rights are the right to excel without
interference
15. peace
16. parents are good influences on their kids
17. people will respect other people and other peoples
things
18. strangers smile at each other on the streets
19. no distinction between races, socioeconomic classes,
religions, etc.
20. people won't litter
21. The equivalent to television no longer shows any
form of violence or immorality.
22. peaceful messages across TV and movies
23. maybe the loving environment can help to eliminate
the kinds of behavior termed violent in our nation
24. TV is not a influential because people realize
that IT IS NOT REAL
25. teachers can teach more than what's in the text
book
26. teachers aren't afraid to relate to their students
and play an active role in society
27. people aren't afraid to walk in the streets at
night
28. Lower population density. the effect of such a
huge population is to isolate and, eventually, desolate.
29. transportation will become faster due to advances
in technology
6.2.5 Brainstorm on reactions to less violence
1. more respect
2. school systems have improved
3. cliques are disbanded
4. more realistic computer programs
5. popular trends will be ignored
6.2.6 Brainstorm on governmental concerns
1. teens have been given more responsibility and more
freedom, with consequences if their freedoms were abused
2. a decrease in the welfare state with fewer "inner
city" economic and social problems
3. The government had been overthrown and replaced
by one that actually works. Thus adequate funding is allocated to
schools.
4. government (necessary) is fair and equitable
5. clean environment
6. I think "big brother" will be even bigger. There
would be more police patrolling the streets
7. less lawsuits...more peace among people.
8. police enforce laws fairly
9. corrupt officials are booted out of office and replaced
by efficient ones
10. misinterpretation of the restriction on media -
complete censorship
11. prisons being overcrowded isn't a problem anymore
12. gun control has been made a practiced law
13. punishment will be more than just a stern talking
to.
14. maybe world-wide peace would be a good way to begin
the rejection of violence
15. police would not be worried about parking meters
but teen distress
16. reconstruction of government
17. peace between government(disarmament)
6.2.7 Brainstorm on other subjects related
to the absence of violence in 2020
1. virtual TV
2. renewed respect for natural processes
3. I think we are putting 2020 farther in the future
than it is...think about 20 years ago...'78...that's basically the 80's
and things haven't changed that much...we don't have colonies on the moon
or anything..2020 is not but 20 years in the future
4. ever read "The Giver"...?
5. better air quality
6. school are more aware of events
7. someone invented a stress meter which we can wear
on our wrists
6.3 Coping with Violent Behavior
Today, we have people who have a tendency to hurt other people.
Please list ways to cope with such individuals. Please click on an appropriate
topic for your comments in any of several categories.
6.3.1 Causes of violent behavior among teenagers
1. curiosity
2. peer pressure
3. How often has some one said, "Come on...you can
kill him....it's fun...try it"....not very often...be serious...don't just
use the "cookie-cutter" response, peer pressure
4. rejection
5. Need to feel superior to others
6. neglectful parents
7. depression
8. boyfriend-stealing
9. psychological disorders
10. TV
11. thrills
12. Lack of ability to cope with society and emotions.
13. media sources
14. bad school conditions
15. feel like they are an outcast
16. no remorse
17. expulsion
18. anger towards another person due to jealousy or
just hate
19. drugs
20. disregard of the feelings of others
21. outlet for anger
22. easy access to guns or other weapons
23. parents aren't showing and teaching love to their
children which will intern cause the child to do the same to others
24. rebellion
25. dysfunctional family
26. mean and harmful parents
27. not enough attention at home
28. gang related peer pressure
29. depression
30. easy to commit and act of violence if there are
no punishments
31. neglectful or abusive family
32. domestic violence
33. need for attention
34. feelings of inferiority
35. low self aster
36. death in the family that had lasting impressions
on someone
37. inability to comprehend their actions i.e. the
act is permanent
38. wrongful channeling of anger
39. something' to do
40. incapable of coping with emotions
41. self centeredness
42. conflict with teachers
43. ignorance
44. to show power over others
45. no other interests
46. trouble with friends
47. violent background
48. raised by parents with mental history
49. absent parent(s)
50. LACK OF DISCIPLINE!
51. PARENTAL INFLUENCES
52. lack of self discipline
53. if we find the people who feel abused by the world
around them, they often show violent tendencies because of anger toward
the people they see as abusive
54. I offer a common excuse....
"Why?....Because I can"
55. because it is easy to commit these days
56. aggravating a person with little self control
57. stress
58. girlfriend/boyfriend "stuff" is merely a side issue...a
very small factor in a much larger problem
59. giving a violent person good reasons to cause a
violent act to occur towards you
60. not knowing how to cope with a situation-seeing
violence as a means of dealing with it and getting away
61. gang-related
62. too much time on hand
63. nobody has the shared sense of reality that used
to exist in previous generations because society has thrown out the old
Judeo/Christian value system and there's nothing to replace it
64. bad teachers
65. lack of self control
66. no moral foundation has been taught to the student
67. provocation by another student
68. if their parents are violent then smaller kids
may be violent too
69. Morality has degraded in all aspects of life:
Television, music, even school teachers. This is the cause of the
rise in violence.
70. Students have several motives that make them resort
to violence. One is the media. Violence is in movies everywhere,
television programs depict violent behavior among young people, and music
talks about violence and the wild rhythms and loud noises are enough to
make anyone go insane.
6.3.2 Ways to protect yourself against violent
behavior
1. Walk away
2. Stay away from those with violent tendencies.
3. Avoid contact with demented students.
4. keep your own morals and follow them
5. say no to drugs
6. choose friends carefully
7. make wise decisions
8. know how your friends act
9. learn to read people
10. don't go to places where violence is often committed
11. avoid arguments and situations that could end up
in a violent conflict
12. don't associate yourself with people of a violent
nature
13. be prepared
14. learn how to "let the other person win" when something
doesn't really matter - break the "everybody wants to be a cowboy" macho
mindset
15. don't "egg" on a violent person or get them aggravated
16. do to others as you would have them do to you
17. avoid talking "big"
18. don't wear anything offensive
19. do not play with a bomb because it might explode
in your face
20. have respect for other people and let them know
it. then they will have the same respect for you, hopefully.
21. Be conscious of the fact that violence exists and
know how to cope with it because you probably will soon be in some type
of conflict where violence could prevail.
22. Don't take everything personal or offensive. The
person who is talking about "mamas" are just insulting his own intelligence.
just ignore it and go on. remember: in a fight, a bystander cannot tell
which one is the fool.
23. Avoid being racist, sexist, etc.
24. don't speak of someone else's ignorance in a form
that may provoke them to get in a fight with you (like insulting their
intelligence or insulting their looks or other things that may offend them)
25. Make sure people know that you are not a violent
person, and don't condone violent activities. Most of the time violent
people will seek out other violent people. Also, if someone tries
to "bully" you. Don't try to fight back. "Turn the other cheek."
If you don't resist you won't be any fun, and they'll stop bothering you.
26. Don't make a habit of insulting others. Insults
lead to resentment, which in turn leads to violence.
27. cope with your anger by yourself or with parents
; don't drag any peers into your problems ; it will only be another bag
of tears
6.3.3 Ways to avoid violence
1. if you are mad, go somewhere to cool off. know your
emotional state
2. avoid someone who is excessively angry at you
3. walk away
4. don't provoke
5. be sensitive to the other person.
6. think before you act
7. stay away from things that can cause violent acts
to occur
8. create some self control
9. don't try to anger others
10. keep away from people or other influential things
which would make you turn violent if you are in a bad mood
11. stay cool
12. know when it is time to walk away
13. stay away from violence even if it is not major
because something is likely to escalate
14. have self control in all situations
15. know when you're about to blow up at someone and
walk away
16. accept other people's views and opinions
17. avoid saying something or doing something that
other people might take as offensive
18. give an angry person room to cool off; when the
situation is already hot, there is no need to make it any hotter
19. if you think there is about to be violence, run
away from the situation if there is nothing you can do. but, do try
to stop the situation if you can.
20. talk through situations-people hear this all of
the time, yet it actually works. Don't talk however until everyone involved
has had time to reflect on the situation.
21. self control self control self control
22. go places in groups
23. if you experience something, talk about it. don't
hold in your emotions. you become a time bomb waiting to go off
24. think before you act
25. don't be a wuss, take care of your own troubles
in a good manner, don't rely on other people
26. I strongly disagree with the previous comment.
The "I'm not a wuss." mentality is the cause of violence. If the
world were full of wusses, we wouldn't have a violence problem. "Turn
the other cheek."
27. if you know a person with problems, get them into
therapy, don't let them end up to be psycho-serial killer
28. In addition to helping them find therapy, make
youself available to listen. Often being able to discuss violent
tendencies is enough to relieve them.
6.3.4 Ways to prevent violence
1. Metal detectors
2. Immediate expulsion from regular school systems
of anyone participating in a fight or other violent activity. It seems
to work for IB/RLC, as I have seen no fights during my time at the school.
3. Segregate violent students.
4. higher consequences for guns and other deadly weapons
5. better TV content
6. conflict resolution training can give alternative
and peaceful methods for solving problems
7. focus on the offender with quick and sure actions.
Don't make rules for the whole. That makes everyone suffer for the
faults of the few and causes more anger.
8. better gun control
9. get morals back into teenagers lives
10. reward good behavior with privileges
11. corporeal punishment in schools
12. Violence is going to exist, but the quantities
can be reduced...the solution is very obvious...gun control!....there are
more guns in the US than people...until that issue is addressed, we are
going to get no where fast
13. In Europe, and England, specifically, the violent
crimes rate is much lower...as is their number of guns....notice a connection
there???
14. opportunities for youth from different socioeconomic
backgrounds, schools, etc. can help break stereotypes of others and see
them as human beings
15. talk to people who are depressed or angry in a
rational way
16. stress the family......most problems usually begin
there
17. gun control is definitely an issue
18. provide opportunities to relieve anger and stress
with sports and other physical activities. I find that punching a pillow
helps
19. report any comments by other students to responsible
individuals. Most acts of violence in school have been talked about
by the individual that commits the act.
20. limit the amount of violence on TV and in movies
21. teach kids how to respect other people. teach
how to cool off when you're angry and not to take it out on any living
thing or do anything violent. anger is not the time to act.
22. put the chip on your TV
23. Provide more counselors, and more obvious access
to counselors. Most instances of school counselors I've encountered
are a joke. And one counselor for a school is far less than adequate.
Often violent tendencies are relieved by simply discussing them with someone
else.
24. guns don't prevent violence
25. more community opportunities for organized group
socializing of youth (like sports, special interest clubs, etc.)
26. teach kids the difference between real life and
television
27. get kids into a good church going environment;
everything else will work out for the better
28. keep an open mind and always think rationally
29. in the history of RLC there has not been a single
fight ever. It makes me wonder- is it the nature of the students(I
doubt we are different; we all came from a normal school), or could it
be the environment!
30. be a good neighbor
31. Provide opportunities for dealing with anger instead
of acting out violently by making counseling readily available.
6.3.5 Recommendations for teachers and school
officials
1. take an interest in students personal life
2. pay closer attention in order to notice odd or different
behavior
3. getting the students interested in the business
of learning at an early age is an important way to keep the child from
becoming a behavior problem; the child will be too dedicated to work to
want to participate in violence
4. have counselors that are an integral part of the
school environment, so they are easily accessible to students' needs
5. teachers should at least minor in psychology so
they are trained to identify irrational and dangerous individuals
6. Encourage a 'learning' environment where students
are given freedom, but strongly punished for abusing it.
7. don't be tyrants but be firm and consistent with
punishments, etc.
8. Give students more freedom. The more strict
the supervision, the more the rebellious tendencies already present in
students are fed.
9. don't treat kids like they are completely responsible,
know that there are many other factors to blame
10. Deal with bad behavior quickly and thoroughly.
11. if you tell a child they are bad, they will believe
you
12. don't talk to students like they are on a lower
level then teachers are
13. Trust students until they prove they can't be trusted.
Then deal with them appropriately
14. put corporeal punishment back into the schools
15. Clearly explain all rules and expectations.
Don't resort to the "three strikes and you're out mentality"... The
first time the rules are broken, take action.
16. use better methods to end violence such as much
harsher punishments
17. teach good character and morals in the class rooms
and encourage self control
18. monitor students' behavior and take interest in
variations from normal behavior
19. don't treat kids like a piece of trash
20. show love and teach it to all children
21. encourage staying away from drugs and alcohol
22. take precautions when a student threatens you or
another student tells you someone is talking about injuring you
23. encourage them to do things that interest them.
don't put down what they like
24. create good environments for kids to learn
25. Teenagers almost always talk about what they are
going to do before they do it, especially if it pertains to violence or
breaking rules. Listen for such comments and don't brush it off as
just comments made in the "heat of the moment."
26. if administrators followed the Code of Conduct
rules and consequences that are already in place a lot of violent potential
would be dealt with
27. if a situation becomes out of hand with a student,
don't be afraid to go get help. you don' t have to handle the problem alone
28. take threats seriously
29. have at least one security guard on campus
30. delve into a violent student's life a little.
understand why they are that way. then you can have a place to start.
try to sympathize or relate. get on their level so they will listen
to you
31. they should know what goes on in the school besides
just teaching. if they watch out and know what is going on around
them, they could become active in preventing school violence
32. set good examples in both school and personal life.
33. Do not create reasons for a student to harbor angry
or jealous feelings by doling out unnecessarily harsh punishments or by
playing favorites.
34. try to determine the grievances and disagreements
between gangs and other rival associations and help, through time and gradual
intervention, to mediate, if not resolve, such problems
35. treat troubled kids gentle; don't cause more problems
to erupt
36. Understand that not all kids are bad.
37. Expect that a kid will behave well. React
only when he doesn't.
38. The Bible says, "Provoke not your children to anger".
Don't you understand that much of what you do is provoking when you don't
respect and don't trust.
39. don't try to get your students to fear you
40. I think schools should be actively involved in
preventing school violence because, after all, school violence does happen
at school
41. most students think being good and making good
grades is "uncool" and I think it should be taught that it is desirable
42. Reward good behavior with added privileges and
respect. Make the persona of a 'good kid' desirable. Currently, it is anything
but.
43. keep security at schools tighter...who can get
in and with how much ease, etc
44. background checks on staff
45. If you respect students they'll respect you.
6.3.6 Recommendations for parents
1. teach right and wrong
2. teach responsibility
3. talk to your kid
4. show interest in your kid's interest and encourage
them
5. do not get mad at them impulsively
6. watch for bad attitudes and find what's causing
it {
7. Do not give children lots of unsupervised time.
'hanging out' at some unspecified destination is not an appropriate place.
Be a parent.
8. open up and listen to their problems; then give
them advice on how to deal with their problems. Believe it or not,
teenagers do listen to what their parents say, sometimes.
9. expose your children to healthy environments all
the time
10. teach your children about peace and how important
it is...violence does not solve things
11. teach kids self control and morals in the home;
be a good example
12. take active interest in school activities
13. don't neglect your kids until you see that they
are totally out of hand. Start discipline early and end any tendencies
for violence.
14. pay attention to your kids when they try to talk
to you
15. don't do anything violent; children learn from
their parents
16. know who their friends are and what type of person
they are.
17. Give kids more freedom. A certain excitement
exists in "trying to get away with something." Don't feed the rebellious
tendencies of teenagers. Conversely, don't allow teenagers to get
away with anything. Be clear about what you will and will not tolerate,
and punish accordingly.
18. listen to your kids
19. trust that if you know you raised them right and
that they will make right decisions. if you don't give them their freedom,
they will feel like you view the as still a small child.
20. listen to your kids even if it doesn't seem like
a problem at the time because they may be trying to tell you something
21. pick your battles very carefully. Small issues
should not become big wars. Discipline should be used on a consistent
basis.
22. if you are not able due to a lack of education,
time or hindrances, make sure you're child is helped with school, emotional
problems and any other activities. Don't let your child suffer because
you cannot help directly
23. children most respect their parents while still
very young. if taught at an early age by their parents the difference
between right and wrong, and good and bad, then maybe the children can
grow into responsible and responsive teens
24. parents need to show their kids that violence does
nothing good. it only makes things worse. they need to be taught
to respect other people. that is the main thing. if we all
respect each other...then why would we want to hurt each other?
25. help them with their school work because if they
are doing badly, then their mood can change and they may want to get back
at the teachers because they don't want to blame themselves so they blame
the teachers. don't tell them to bring up their grades all alone
because perhaps they are doing as much as they can...if you get what I’m
trying to say
26. parents have to prepare their children for the
world. It's like a war, you wouldn't send your soldier out on the
battle field with out any weapons. Make sure they have a sword and a shield.
27. make sure you treat your kid like you love them.
make time for them and listen to what they have to say. don't blow them
off for your interests
28. Taking away privileges temporarily, corporal punishment,
and trying to make a child feel guilty are often the least ineffective
methods of punishment. Simply letting them know your view and moral
position is often enough to plant the seed of what is right/wrong.
A child knows when he is doing something wrong. Simply express your
disappointment, and the child's conscience will often be enough to keep
him from repeating the incident, and this will also prevent the child from
repeating the incident out of spite for the parent.
29. kids do what the see their parents do. you have
to be a good influence on them
30. Authorize the kind of TV shows and movies your
children are allowed to watch. If your child is a mature young adult
and you feel that he or she is ready for a rated R movie then allow them
to see it but watch it with them and talk to them about the consequences
of following any bad behavior shown in the movie.
31. don't be violent or short-tempered
32. be reasonable when dealing punishments and restrictions
33. Don't expect more than your child can realistically
produce. Children don't want to feel stupid or inadequate, and setting
expectations above their abilities can cause such feelings, which may later
be taken out upon friends, or even the parents, as violent actions.
34. don't always presume they did it. Look at
the circumstances and help the child evaluate how they might have handled
the situation differently
35. be
36. Do not automatically assume that children will
behave. Trust is necessary in a relationship, but it must be earned. In
a time when violence is rampant in society, parents need to take a far
more active role in their children’s activities.
37. know that right and wrong is a matter of perception
and try to see issues from your child's perspective-times change, as well
as values, interests and influences.
38. Don't impose opinions on your children, suggest.
39. Dispose of guns
40. trust your kid. if you're always checking up on
them then they feel like you are expecting them to do something wrong
41. Hunting is no longer necessary as a way of life
in most instances....and it's definitely not a "sport"!
42. (continuation of dispose of guns)
43. don't keep a gun in your house
44. Try to spend time with your children but also allow
them to have time for themselves. But don't encourage them to be
loners.
45. Know where you're kids are and give them a curfew
that they will have to follow. be strict.
46. be a help to your kids; try not to be another problem
47. If you do have a gun in your house, keep it to
where a kid could not access it.
48. Ask them to talk about their problems with you
instead of letting feelings of anger and hate fester into acts of violence
49. Parents should be more sympathetic to what their
children are going through. We have all been there before.
50. Don't dwell on the things that you're kids are
doing wrong all the time. Give them encouragement and commend them on what
they do right. You will receive better results and more respect if you're
not always griping at them and on their back.
51. Give them advice if they need it and help them
solve their problems. Don't add to their problems. Be supportive and caring.
6.3.7 Recommendations for law enforcement officers
1. punish the parents, through fines or jail time,
for possession of weapons by a child and/or their child's criminal behavior
2. A parent should be punished if they allow their
child to get a hold of weapons that are in the house, but they should not
be punished for their child's criminal behavior if they did not influence
it
3. Violent students should be punished severely. It
must be enforced that crime has strong negative consequences.
4. keep an eye out for children who may become violent
5. make the sale, use, possession of any firearms illegal
under the age of 21
6. keep a record of gun and weapon sales
7. don't be so high and mighty. kids learn to
disrespect law officers because they are disrespected themselves
8. Some cops delight in punishing teens.
No officer should enjoy arresting someone.
9. make the law enforcement a vital, active, and visible
force in the community, yet not a intimidating or unapproachable one
10. don't harass kids so much that you make them distrust
you and see you as a useless tool of society...that is not your job
11. FIX THE GUN PROBLEM!....THERE ARE TOO MANY!
12. make taking guns away from kids a priority
13. Apply the rules evenhandedly.
14. put cameras in classrooms
15. monitor gun sales
16. set up programs that teach kids about the effects
of violence and how to avoid it
17. Practice what you preach and be good role models
for kids.
18. beef up the security procedures so violence won't
begin
19. Put more police on the force.
20. train officers for any kind of trouble with teens
21. monitor the streets and take some action against
gangs
22. be there before the crime not after
23. don't eat so many doughnuts
24. teach children to respect the law
25. try to be friends with teens, not their enemy
26. talk to their parents about what they did wrong
27. none of the publicized school shootings had anything
to do with gangs...we and the police should not get side-tracked...stay
focused.
28. violence is more than what is publicized-teachers
are held at gunpoint and fight s occur everyday-all is violence, but different
levels exist
29. identify with teens as best as you can
30. you can't just show interest in kids who commit
some form of violence. you need to show interest in kids who aren't violent.
some kids are just seeking your attention
31. don't blow off misc. crimes like they aren't important
32. create a separate branch of law enforcement to
help prevent school violence
33. watch teens carefully; nail them when it happens,
don't give warnings
34. being a present force in the community is a very
important part of fighting crime. If cops can get out of the car
and back to walking the street in greater numbers the sheer presence of
the men in blue can deter crime before it starts. this kind of presence
is especially necessary in schools, but it should not be an intimidating
force.
35. Don't treat odd looking teenagers(i.e. multicolored
hair, odd make-up and clothing, etc) any differently than you would a "normal"
looking teenager. They probably look as they do as a sign of rebellion.
Acknowledging their difference only encourages and furthers this rebellion.
36. go to elementary schools and talk to the students
(mainly kindergartners and 1st graders because they look up to police officers)
about violence and how it is bad and ways to prevent it
37. don't obsess yourself with blood and gore and violence
in movies and try to keep others away from that interest
38. if "kids" commit crimes, such as murder, rape,
arson, etc., don't be afraid to punish or try them like adults. A message
must be sent that these crimes have harsh, undesirable consequences and
kids will not get off easy because of their young ages.
39. be positive in life
40. avoid judging youth by appearance-not everything
is exactly what it seems
41. don't always think that when you see a youth there
will be trouble. There are some of us who are good.
6.3.8 Recommendations for other students
1. observe classmates for unusual, depressive or possibly
violent characteristics and tell, confidentially an authority figure
2. pay close attention to the moods of fellow students
noting such things as family trouble, trouble with friends, and depression
so that you can try to help the person. tell adults and/or counselors
so that help can be gotten
3. tell someone if you know about others taking drugs
or having mood swings or showing violent actions
4. Associate with friends who have interests in acceptable
actifities. the 'wrong crowd' can be very influential in the degradation
of a student's integrity.
5. be an example for others to follow and tell a person
to cool off if they seem to be angry
6. don't be afraid to tell people how uncool violence
is...if you speak up, others might listen to you
7. talk to a teacher about any disturbing behavior
of a student
8. offer any assistance to any students in times of
trouble
9. watch out for signs that might show a violent nature
or intent and warn someone (teacher, another student, police officer) so
they can be aware
10. encourage friends who demonstrate good behavior
11. know your limits. if the situation gets out
of hand, go for help
12. watch out for friends and number one
13. Violence usually involves two parties. If
someone is looking for a fight, and can't find anybody to fight against,
then the fight won't happen. Don't encourage fights or violent behavior.
And don't congratulate people for "winning" a fight. In fact, if
any recognition is given at all, let them know how inappropriate such action
was.
14. Keep your own morals and respect your peers. Resist
peer pressure.
15. watch your back for any suspicious moods out of
people
16. be supportive of your friends, believe it or not
your friends sometimes have the biggest influence on you.
17. don't aggravate someone who is stronger and cares
less about what they can do to you
18. Be good role models for fellow students. If a freshman
sees a senior behave appropriately then he will be apt to follow the example.(but
it will take more than just one "role model" to pull this off.)
19. so you thought about it.....think longer; think
harder
20. believe some of the cliches you hear about putting
yourself in potentially violent situations - they got to be cliches for
a good reason. and you don't have to always reinvent the wheel when it
comes to human behavior
21. if someone talks about hurting others, then assume
they are going to hurt others. go and tell someone like your parents or
a teacher
22. Don't be afraid to tell parents and authorities
if something is happening or is going to happen. Preventing an act
of violence is not ratting out on someone; it is keeping them from making
a mistake.
23. if there's problems growing among peers, take care
of it at the beginning or else things might get out of hand
24. listen to what goes on in the classroom and school
because u might just prevent something drastic from happening
25. Do students feel stress in their daily lives?
26. If you see someone stressed out, encourage them
away from the cause of the stress or encourage them to get help.
27. listen to parents and friends; they will look out
for you
28. students feel different kinds of stress in their
daily lives. they are different stresses than adults, but certainly
just as important to us as adult stress is to adults
29. we have to think about our futures all the time.
that's pretty stressful
30. if you're feeling stressed, move away from the
cause of the stress.
31. learn to recognize your stress and act accordingly
32. That doesn't prevent you from recognizing the stress
and taking some action.
33. What can you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?
34. that works for little insignificant stresses, but
it's the big ones that are always there
35. be a friend - be kind and caring and sharing and
open and supportive and honest and faithful
36. Do you feel free to communicate your needs with
competent adults?
37. Or even more, do you know any or trust any competent
adults that you can go to?
38. know the difference between movies and real life
because movies are always dramatic and don't show the real outcome of violence
39. can you predict the outcome of your actions?
40. don't think that if someone can get away with a
violent act on a movie, that you can get away with it
41. do you know your friends well enough to know whether
they are depressed or angry and can you provide assistance to aid them
back to mental health?
42. don't let events such as football games or pep
rallies spark emotions that cause violent behavior-remember they are just
games, not life-changing experiences
43. encourage positive behavior and discourage
6.3.9 Other observations and comments
1. I'm not entirely sure as to a solution to
this violence problem, but I know what is not the solution..."education"....so
many times, so called experts suppose that the solution to all problems
is to educate the students as to effects or consequences, etc. I
think this is NOT the answer. Many, I'm sure could also attest to
the fact that these programs don't work. Prime example...DARE....I
have seen this program fail miserable. Educating the children should
not be a blanket response by the "experts" that think they have all the
answers....Their arrogance annoys me
2. There needs to be a more positive influence on children
starting when they are very young. There is so much on TV and other
media sources that can influence a very young person(3 or 4 years old)
to think that it is not a big deal or is something that is tolerated.
I think that teachers, parents, newspapers, and TV, need to have more positive
things for little people and try to cover up the bad things
3. In some respects, education *is* an answer. Students
in environments where learning (not the wrote memorization that is often
taught today) is encouraged and the focus is academic encourages students
to clearly and rationally make judgements. The social aspects of life often
cloud the priorities of students.
4. Children's parents have the most effect on their
lives. Parents can teach peace or they can teach violence, but the
thing that makes the child decide which path to take is what the parent
actually DOES.
5. I don't believe that we should shelter the children,
either.....There is no sheltering of human nature....Ever read "Lord of
the Flies"...I rest my case.
6. it seems that some of the recent shootings in schools
have been due to problems dealing with girl/boyfriends and matters of jealousy.
Parents and teachers should not disregard these problems of children-they
are very real, though possibly immature, and should not be taken lightly.
Parents tend to think kids do not feel-emotions are underdeveloped or not
understood, but that is not the case. All emotion should be taken seriously
and dealt with in a sensitive manner.
7. Kids are heavily influenced by the shows they watch
and the music they listen to. They want to be like their favorite singer
or actor and tend to do what they see their ideal does. This isn't true
in all kids but it is in a lot
8. You can't blame violence on TV and music because
it takes a very weak person with little self control or moral values for
that matter to mimic an actor or singer's personality if it is antisocial
or violent.
9. The main responsibility rests with parents. A family
can (and does) influence the values of the children it raises. Students
should be encouraged to exhibit ethical behavior, and to pursue appropriate
life styles. This is the parents primary role in life. Parenthood is a
tremendous responsibility, and it must not be taken lightly.
10. Parents are going to have to start trying to solve
their children's problems as if their parents would have way back in the
but listen and understand to the problem and then solve. Believe
it or not teenagers need role models more and more these days and obviously
what greater one than a parent or some one that the teenager feels close
to. But there will always be that time when teens a have to trusts
their own understanding and stop depending on others, this is where most
of the problems are ignited : )
11. though the answer to the problem may be difficult
or hard to find; it is there. even the hardest puzzles can be solved
through diligent inspection. the problem of teen violence can be
better solved through introspection. the problem is in the way the
individual values life and liberty and it must be dealt with on this kind
of level by every person because everyone is capable of, and by virtue
of this society prone to violence. everyone sometimes feels the urge
to violent behavior, but when an aware individual recognizes this he immediately
rejects the idea for its mere abhorrence. the problem is in the mind
of the person
12. Popular culture has tremendous effect on children,
and most of it is negative. Negative influences should be regulated or
eliminated. Freedom of speech is important, but it does not preclude the
parents right to decide what forms of society the child is exposed to.
13. TRUST GOD
14. Teachers need to be aware of all motives of violence
and keep an eye on students to watch for warning signs. All people
associated with the students need to take an active interest in the student's
life and activities and promote staying away from drugs and alcohol.
Media people need to keep a careful eye on what they are broadcasting and
printing and be a little more aware of what could lead a person to violence.
Students should be encouraged to learn about violence and monitor their
actions and those around them
15. society needs to take violence more seriously.
it can't just be something that a few kids in Alabama brainstorm about
on computers....though it is a wonderful start. the whole nation
needs to brainstorm and decide what kind of children they want to raise.
violence is in the media and everything else. it needs to have negative
tones or not exist at all.
16. Negative influence?.....as defined by whom?
17. we can't keep on devising better ways of protecting
ourselves. We would soon be each in our own cocoon and loose all
social contact and respect for each other. we have to deal with violence
by making violence unacceptable in society. We need to be self policing
as a primary step and group policing when a problem gets beyond what we
can deal with individually.
18. Negative influences will have to be determined
by the parents or legal guardians of the each child. It can not be dictated
by the government or anything like that. Each parent must make a decision
about what parts of popular culture they will expose their children to.
19. such controls are not feasible
20. With hundreds of students together in one place,
violence will be likely to take place. But if people come together as one
violence will soon cease to exist in schools. Take a stand!!! Lives depend
on you.
21. you say the masses of people instill violence,
yet you say come together as one and violence will soon cease to exist....when
and if EVERYONE comes together as one, violence could likely arise from
that situation....from disagreements, etc.....this is a very serious problem
that is all-encompassing
22. the children learn these actions from somewhere,
whether TV, friends, parents, or music. Put some limits on what kids are
doing these days. Its harder growing up with all these new inventions of
guns and bombs. Monitor programs that could do any harm to them.
23. Children must be dealt with on an individual basis.
Blanket concepts like teaching values or religion in schools are not the
answer.
24. I think whole neighborhoods and cities should get
involved in preventing school violence because even if we pour every thought
out onto the computer, it doesn't make any difference outside this room-
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
25. Proverbs 3: 6
26. IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD...
27. Possible suggestions included showing kids what
guns can do so they won't want to do it....It doesn't work like that....it's
like telling a kid not to have sex before they get married and handing
them a condom at the end of "the talk"....It won't work
28. parents and teachers can make a big impact on kids.
If teachers and parents would teach their kids self control and build good
moral foundations in them, violent acts would be fewer in number and society
would benefit greatly.
29. show teens another way to take out their aggression
positively and creatively...
30. The community does nothing to strengthen the defense
against violence. I think that school officials and city council
members should meet regularly to discuss what can be done to prevent school
violence. If every community takes an active role to eliminate violence,
a lot can be done.
31. The emphasis on society needs to be changed from
the heroes being the people who are stronger or faster or tougher. Those
are worn out remnants of a bygone age. Today’s social structure needs to
emphasize compassion, intelligence, and contribution to society.
32. "WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE SWEET LOVE..."
33. Television does influence the highly influential
people of this world. maybe it doesn't influence anyone here or anyone
you know but it does. this was brought up in the Simpsons when kids were
hurting their parents because they saw it on television
34. I don't think TV has as big of an influence as
every body says does...
35. Can't we all just get along!!!
36. TV is a direct reflection of society. the
movie-makers and entertainment people put on the screen what they think
we think will think is cool. violence is apparently entertaining.
just watch TV one day and see how many violent acts are committed. you'll
be surprised
37. if TV had as big an influence as every one said
it did I think worse things would be happening
38. it's not the big things that count...it's the mindset
that desensitizes everyone to the little acts of violence
39. TV IS NOT THE ONLY INFLUENCE!!!1
40. TV is not the only influence, but it's a
big one that is a part of the lives of most American kids
41. I can't stress enough...READ "LORD OF THE FLIES"
42. The whole concept of what is 'cool' or 'popular'
is largely to blame for the degradation of morals in society. TV is perhaps
a reflection of this degradation, rather than a cause of it. Less emphasis
should be placed on what is cool.
43. uh huh!
44. IT ALL FALLS BACK TO THE PARENTS, IF THEY KNEW
WHAT THEIR CHILDREN WERE WATCHING THEN TV SHOULD NOT MATTER...
45. Although TV is quite a big influence, it is not
the only one. Parents, teachers, friends, all need to realize that
they are also influences, whether bad or good.
46. I think that there is no gun control whatsoever
in the US. so many people and children have access to guns. and I’m
not just talking about handguns, I’m talking about big guns that have no
business being in the world because all they are designed to do is kill.
47. it is a whole big combination that needs to work
together. parents, teachers, TVs, and law enforcement officers need
to all work together against violence. once we get the right combination,
we'll have peace
48. The morale of the country has dramatically dropped
causing violence to become a major problem. I guess we'll have to cope
with it and be part of the solution rather than the problem.
49. Let's terminate the retardation here. This is supposed
to be a serious endeavor.
50. yea!!
51. an eye for an eye...
52. and a tooth for a tooth.
53. Violence in schools - first thought....murder..
shootings, etc....I just remembered acts of violence such as rape by school
employees....background checks should be strict as well as strictly enforced
54. Teachers qualifications are very important in preventing
both types of violence. The proper influence that respectable teachers
generate will go far towards fixing the violence of students, as well.
55. let the punishment fit the crime
56. politicians and other government officials, nationally
and locally, should address socio-economic conditions that often are the
background to problems with youth and violence(lack of parental influences
at home, poor economic situations that leave kids "on the streets".
57. we talk about letting the students cooperate with
the officials so lets sit them down together in this place in this and
this environment and let them work together to come up with a plan
6.4 Is Violence Inevitable?
Brainstorm on the question, Is Violence Inevitable? Please
comment your thoughts on both sides of the issue.
6.4.1 Violence is inevitable.
1. some people are going to be violent and nothing
can be done about it
2. because of human aggressive drives
3. people are not being taught right from wrong
4. Violence is ingrained through thousands of years
of evolution. Human nature can't be changed on a whim.
5. it(violence) is human nature...I make a reference
to "Lord of the Flies"....no human being is born innocent
6. with a means and a motive it will happen
7. violence has become a way to gain power and people
naturally want to have power
8. As long as outside forces such as gangs, drug, and
abuse exist, violence will be inevitable
9. there is a human nature that cannot be avoided and
is always there no matter what we do. resulting in violence is human
nature when provoked
10. violence is inevitable when there is no other solution
made evident to the offender
11. motives for violence have become so numerous
12. psychological disorders that cause some to be violent
will always be there. these people can't fully control their actions
13. there is a main reason that violence is inevitable,
because you can not instill ideas of self worth and the worth of others
if people are not willing to be taught
14. It's a little depressing to think that violence
cannot be removed from our lives.
15. so
16. ...so we just build better metal detectors and
get on with life?
17. no....such was never suggested
18. Prozac
19. let's hope that we don't get to the point that
medication is the only way to deal with problems.
20. not to deal with violence...merely depression
21. violence has always been human nature and if a
person is provoked to the point of violence, then violence is inevitable
22. Pride is so strong an emotion that most of us will
not allow ourselves to be taught a better way of living
23. Violence is an easy way out of situations, for
many people. It is simple and direct. Many people will always take the
path of least resistance.
24. You think people are violent to be noticed?
25. on occasion
26. though people may never admit it, most follow peer
pressure. violence is not the norm, and that is a way to stand out from
the masses.
27. violence is a quick way to relieve your body with
tension or stress or whatever. there will always be violence because of
this
28. There is present in the nature of every human being
a savage, wild side that is hidden, but with our society degenerating as
it is the savageness will emerge eventually
29. violence is inevitable because most people are
prone to violence no matter how insignificant the violent act may be.
30. there is nothing that we can do to eliminate violence
- even people who are trying to stop violence have violence in their human
nature
31. Violence can bring gain. The majority of violence
in society as a whole is not random violence for the sake of violence its
self, but to procure material gain. This will always be so, and thus, violence
will always exist is some aspect of society.
32. violence is an aggressive drive that stems from
within, whether it was provoked by outside actions or not. If someone can't
be taught or doesn't want to, you can't make up their mind for them
33. people are violent to be noticed, look at people
who stalk for fame before they die
6.4.2 Violence is NOT inevitable.
1. There is a way to teach self control at an
early age, whether it is in school, church, or the home and that could
prevent a great deal of violence
2. Nothing is inevitable. Our society can correct its
internal wrongs if we are willing to devote the time, resources and concern
that will be necessary.
3. If people can change their thinking about other
people, violence is not inevitable
4. people can learn to control themselves.
5. certain behaviors can be taught
6. Human nature is defined by environment. By increasing
the quality of the environment we as a race are raised in, we can change
the way people react to their surroundings.
7. We can learn to treat each other with courtesy and
respect; hence, we will get along with less violence
8. teaching respect for others, and for yourself, violence
can be avoided. We must instill ego and superego.
9. Violence is a natural part of human behavior.
It can be said that violence or the violent thoughts will always be with
us. However, there are some measures that can be taken to control
the violent emotions. Values have to be taught at an early age and
stressed throughout life. If values cannot be taught at home due
to a dysfunctional family, they need to be taught at school. The
same applies to self control.
10. therapists can help curb violence
11. human's are intelligent life forms, we can be taught!!
12. We can't continue building stronger walls to protect
ourselves. we will isolate ourselves from society and thus have no
society
13. violence can be avoided if there is enough self
control to walk away or not provoke things
14. If communities and schools take an active part
in leading kids towards a nonviolent behavior, then the school violence
will decrease.
15. without a means...no matter what the motive....violence
cannot occur
16. Please explain...
17. Violence is obviously not inevitable, as their
are (or, more precisely, have been) societies with no concept of aggression
or violence.
18. minds can be manipulated to resolve issues without
using violence
19. Is it manipulation to be taught a better way to
relate to others?
20. our surroundings play a big role in the carrying
out of violence. If our society was less tolerant of violence in
the streets, in the homes, and on the TV violence would eventually cease
to exist
21. violence isn't inevitable because not everyone
is violent.
22. To set up barriers between violent and nonviolent
people would be counter-productive. By setting apart the violence
we would only be creating a separate society - a violent one - which would
affect the nonviolent society.
23. violence would be nonexistent if everyone had self
control
24. Good thought! How do we develop this self-control?
25. if teachers teach at an early age that violence
is bad, then it can be avoided easier and if the teacher is good, then
it will have an effect on the kids that they might want to share with their
friends}
26. To say that we can eliminate violence is questionable...
to say that we can reduce violence is reasonable. Violence is not
inevitable because if we can reduce violence, we can contain violence.
27. exactly
28. therapy is there to help people who use violence.
29. although violence is a part of human nature, that
part can be suppressed with the help of society
6.5 Lateral Thinking about Coping with Violence
This was probably the most difficult brainstorming topic because
the students were encouraged to think abstractly about violence and suggest
ideas that were perhaps not part of the normal thinking about violence.
The students were given an example from an unrelated consulting project
which demonstrated lateral thinking.
The facilitator shared an example with the students about a hotel
in London that was first class and very well accepted by its customers
except for the terribly slow elevators. There were many complaints
about the elevators and few complaints about anything else. A study
showed that the cost of replacing the elevators in the 100-year-old building
would cost more that the value of the building and thus was not feasible.
A consultant who practiced lateral thinking asked the owners what they
wanted to be rid of: the slow elevators or the complaints.
Hearing that the complaints were the real problem, the consultant recommended
installing mirrors in every elevator lobby. Complaints dropped to
zero because patrons began using the mirrors for whatever purpose they
deemed appropriate and stopped noticing how long they were waiting for
the elevators.
1. teach character in school, and not a two minute
thing every day,
2. all people at the school must be treated with
respect
3. demonstrate, not just teach
4. have a prisoner that was charged on violence
come in to schools and talk to the kids about what he did wrong
5. teach values and what is right and wrong
6. We are not a hotel. Solving violent outbreaks
is not enough. We need to solve the cause of violence.
7. the hotel did not solve the elevator problem...they
solved the complaint problem.....we don't need to solve the violence problem...we
need to solve the cause of the violence
8. but teachers should practice what they preach
9. teachers need to make the effort to recognize
every student in his/her class
10. Say 'hi' to lots of people every day
11. teacher has to start. Someone has to
act the adult
12. get the community involved by forming a committee
based on dealing with school violence
13. approach violence as a mere "character flaw"
and deal with it rather than alienate it
14. promote friendship among different racial groups
15. Students should be allowed to perform at the
level of their ability. Gifted and LD classes are helpful to students.
16. find out the mental problems a violent person
has- learn the psychological characteristics of a violent person
17. be pleasant with everyone
18. learn how to manage conflict
19. show that you will be punished; that has a
way of breaking the habit
20. make school a happy place
21. administrators have to treat students and parents
with respect
22. teach respect at school
23. Try to erase the concept of violence as a means
of dealing with unpleasant situations. That is a concept that permeates
our reality. If someone makes you mad --BIFF!- you sock them. That is dumb.
24. teach self-control
25. when you have a complaint, don't say it except
to the person who can do something about it
26. have teachers and administrators on the same
level as kids so no one feels intimidated
27. students can't be afraid to report people who
are seriously talking about killing or hurting other students
28. change the view of the school to something
else then a prison
29. nobody talks down to anybody
30. set a good example by remaining calm during
times of trouble
31. students can be taught when to intervene and
when to report a problem
32. We need to bring the level of tolerance for
different ideas up, to reduce alienation. People should not discriminate,
even on a personal level, against other philosophies.
33. I think some people here maybe placing too
strong and heavy a burden on the teachers...teachers can have "problems"
too
34. teachers should give all students the respect
that they deserve just because they're human
35. we respect nature and it's not human...there
needs to be a greater cause for respect than the simple fact that someone
is human
36. walk away from provocation
37. award people for good character and lending
a helping hand with more than just a pat on the back
38. promote the idea that money or material wealth
does not make someone happy - encourage strong bonds between people
39. teachers should teach that everyone is equal
40. don't encourage competition in the school
41. make sure you're not carrying a chip on your
own shoulder
42. don't talk bad about others
43. be careful what you say - it might offend someone's
beliefs
44. Teachers are not super heroes. They can't be
expected to deal with everything perfectly. Part of the burden lays with
the students. If we make teaching too hard a job, we will have no teachers
left. The make like no money already.
45. until every one is treated equally, and I mean
equally allowed to live up to their own potential, then all the teaching
in the world won't help
46. ask a person who is violent if they really
like being a violent person. they may not know how to stop being
violent
47. teachers should look at their students as if
they are their kids. they should help kids
48. family values MUST be taught early in life
to set what is right and wrong
49. make the job of teaching fun so that the teacher
is in a good mood so the teacher doesn't get mad at a kid jus because he/she
is in a bad mood
50. competition is a powerful force, use it too
encourage good, it can be used positively
51. don't suppress your violent feelings, but don't
act on them. Talk to someone.
52. You shouldn't need to 'be careful what you
say' in the average sense of the word. Certainly be considerate, but someone
should not need to censor themselves because other people are so easily
offended. That’s where we get dumb phrases like 'vertically challenged'.
53. getting to really know a violent person might
answer the question of why they are violent.
54. Academics at school must come before sports
- an athletic person is always given fame while people who are good at
academics only are viewed as nerds. This is not right.
55. freedom of speech is essential, but avoid ethnocentrism
56. give a violent person everything they want-
they just might be happy and not be violent
57. we don't need to avoid contact to avoid violence!.....!!
58. only put students with like minds in class
together
59. Force students to practice peace inducing states
like Zen and Yoga.
60. TV has to be limited in some respects - by
the time someone is 18, they've probably seen thousands of shootings or
fights on television
61. make sure the teacher is good enough to keep
the violent person's mind off the violence
62. part of each week's curriculum would be a class
in relationships
63. institute programs that get people involved
in extra curricular activities, then they will feel a part of something
64. no one should be forced to practice Zen or
Yoga if they don't want to!!!!
65. smart bullets decide when it is acceptable
to enter and kill the target at which they were shot
66. In-school suspension would be one-on-one with
a trained counselor
67. have cultural awareness workshops that students
are required to go to
68. everybody home school
69. the first thing is to get rid of violence on
70. In school suspension should be like a forced
labor camp. Make it really undesirable.
71. chips implanted in individuals physically punish
someone who inflicts violence with a similar level of pain
72. start society all over again
73. we've got to control anger because angry people
don't learn
74. give the whole class something to work against
like a class project or program to stop violence so they all have a common
goal to work together against, not work against each other
75. people need to learn world history at an early
age and be able to understand it - maybe people would learn from violence
in the past and keep away from it
76. give everybody a gun-- we're equal
77. kill anyone who can't stop being violent
78. violence? redefine the word
79. violence is defined as doing some sort of act
of violence on anyone besides yourself
80. deport violent people to the ocean or the jungle
where violent animals can do acts of violence upon them
81. deport violent people to the ocean or jungle
so that violent animals of nature can incur acts of violence upon them
82. make school a privilege, not a right
83. make all of the penalties death
84. Allow students to learn independently, away
from school. Or make school optional. No school means no school violence.
85. allow weapons. people wouldn't conceal them
then
86. rape offenders should have their hormones drained
87. every person has to be committed to building
relationships
88. kill according to personal belief
89. go back to using stocks and public thrashings
90. make everyone under go psycho-analysis
91. Manufacture only guns that fire bullets both
ways. You get shot if you shoot someone.
92. the punishment should fit the crime; if a person
beats another person to death then they should die the same way
93. hangings on the courthouse lawns
94. make people think they were born 90 years old
- they would then think that they would be to feeble to murder
95. upon hitting someone...your hand should become
equally bruised
96. show the students pictures of disemboweled
and decapitated people so they think otherwise about violence
97. turn people into whom they hate
98. cut off everyone's fingers
99. give a cookie for good behavior
100. have a dance every week and make everyone
attend and dance
101. Brain-o-meters that sense when someone is
becoming angry to the point of violence, and then beep really loud. Then
that person could be isolated.
102. give everyone a date
103. school would be video conferencing on the
internet
104. computerized "shrinks" implanted in people's
heads...kind of' places a new irony with the term shrink
105. change schools so that each school is for
one thing.... like catholic or Zen
106. make them read "Harrison Bergeron"
107. have a nuclear bomb in the school and threaten
the students by telling them that you would set it off if they were violent
108. everyone, including teachers, have to say
'yes, sir' and 'no, ma’am' or just 'yes' and 'no if you can't tell
109. make unified religion to teach everyone the
same values
110. it's by Kurt Vonnegut
111. schools stop trying to make everyone homogeneous
112. assimilate everyone into the Borg Collective
113. Reduce religious emphasis. Values should be
taught as right or wrong, not away to avoid 'hell'. Religion should be
just a personal choice in addition to values.
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