Officials in Jefferson County, home of Columbine High, are shocked and bewildered over what could have possessed teens in their upscale suburb to perpetrate such a brutal and intolerant violence against innocent peers. Like many affluent suburbs, Littleton was proud of its excellent schools and well-educated population. To community leaders it seemed like the last place such a senseless tragedy might occur. Law enforcement and school officials worked closely together. Clearly, there is a big difference and impact between teaching anger-management and general emotional education programs.
Emotional education is non-stigmatizing if presented properly as an aspect of human development.
It is truly preventive because the focus is on education to help handle their feelings, not a need to change their behavior. Teens need to know that adults are interested in and will honor what they feel . Feelings are a natural part of who we are. If we deny our feelings, we cannot accept ourselves. Self-accepting teens have nothing to prove, and fewer unresolved hurt feelings to avenge.