School violence is on the rise and parents, teachers, and community leaders now know cruelty, unchecked, is the first step in a continuum of violence. It can quickly escalate from child's play to crime. Paula Schwartzberg is a school administrator who trains educators on how to prevent school violence. We're talking about not letting students do things in school that we would never let adults do in society. Times are different, the stakes are much higher.
Schools can prevent mean and cruel behavior by creating an environment of respect.
The school along with the parents have to put a plan in place that teaches children respect for others. Schwartzberg says eighty percent of kids are not bullies or victims. Those kids can be taught to be a caring majority by refusing to take part and finding someone to intervene when they see cruelty and violence. What Parents Can Do Keep an open line of communication with children. Listen to kids and take what they say seriously.