In one Arizona community's elementary schools, the reverse is actually happening. PeaceBuilders is a community-wide program, developed by Tucson child psychologist Dennis Embryn. A grant from the Centers for Disease Control has helped PeaceBuilders expand so that it now reaches more than 200 schools in 20 states. Results are positive. Parents notice their children become more cooperative and concerned for others.
Teachers notice that students are fighting less and focusing better on their studies.
The program targets children between 5 and 10, with the goal of reaching as many children as possible before adolescence. Some children have been skeptical about PeaceBuilders, thinking it's for wimps. But they find it take courage to actively build peace and the results are worthwhile. The 5 to 10 year olds are especially interested in learning new communication skills, new ways of preventing fights and de-escalating anger. They wanted a better way to get along.