School Violence: What Causes It?
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Social Problem: Peer on Peer Violence (The Basics)
Attitude Formation
Social learning is defined as the process by which we (as humans) gather information, form opinions, and acquire the attitudes of others. Schools tend to become breeding grounds for attitude formation. Peer influence sets a higher standard for social norms than the institutional rules- making susceptibility to conform to pressures of the larger population the heavier rule and not the exception.
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning can be best described as the manner in which an overwhelming stimulus can transform a neutral existence into a very real presence. As this concept applies to a school setting (despite lack of former exposure or amount of resistance to a stimulus) the environment can shape attitudes that coincide with internal beliefs or pre-existing genetic disposition to create a chain reaction (subliminal conditioning).
Behavior Reinforcements
Behavior reinforcements that avoid negative responses and encourage positive responses (or at least desired outcomes) are considered forms of instrumental conditioning. In terms of peer-on-peer victimization- if the reactions to a behavior exhibited results in accolades or promotion by peers- the behavior is likely to continue. Even if a student is punished for a behavior- the positive external reinforcements supplied by peers will win precedence over any repercussions involved.
Observational Learning
In observational learning, students follow social rules by watching and eventually imitating or engaging in socially “acceptable” (for this group) behaviors. Despite parental or institutional involvement or influence- the overwhelming standard remains with the overall environment of peers.
Social Comparison
Social comparison occurs while observing one’s individual place amongst a larger group. A primary example of social comparison in action is when a group of students harass a single student. From within the social environment- a crossroads appears. An individual can decide to side with the oppressors or with the single student, and face harsh consequences.
Changing Existing Attitudes
Existing attitudes can assist individuals in making assumptions when the need arises. In other words, rapid response occurs based on attitude-relevance. Students that enter the same environment day-by-day learn to avoid contact with others and react to those they do come into contact with in the same manner. One way to counteract constant victimization is to do something drastic. At this point, suicide becomes part of this fantasy to reap havoc on the oppressor...whether that means a proactive response or a reactive response.
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I wish I knew the answer to what causes school violence. As an educator I now walk through the halls of a school where the doors are locked, the security guard is in place, and parents I've known for years are forced to wear tags that symbolize they're "welcome" in the building, and that they've followed proper protocol. I have gotten used to it, but I will never like it.
I also remember my first visit to my son's high school, the necessity of walking through the metal detectors, and the security guards that patrolled the hallways. Funny, if a problem occurred those same guards would take their places to WATCH. Can't break up fights you know; you might get sued.
I agree with the comment above.......... parents teach their children the most important things they'll ever learn, and let's face it.......... education begins at home!
This is a very informative blurb.
In my younger years I often withstood much ridicule; at times it was very disheartening to exist.
However, in our darker moments we have vast opportunities that many use for the worst. Instead of committing a crime such as Columbine, or resorting to deviant behaviors such as self mutilation....I began expressing myself through journals and words.
It re-sparked my devotion to writing, a practice I gave up for a long period despite my early knack and propensity for it.
Some people, of course, can't but feel overwhelmed and tortured. And in the case of news stories like this (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312018,00.html where a parent was involved makes matters worse.
Perhaps all these machines that make your lives easier leave too much time for negative forces.
But I'd like to think more good comes out of it than evil.
The Supreme Court removed God from public schools; schools told kids they are nothing but animals; kids start killing people. I see this as easy to understand. But your article is great and educated me about many other angles. Thank you!
Pamela99 Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago
Interesting article about something that is very important. School violence was almost non-existent when I went to school. There was an occasional fight but nothing like we hear today. I don't know what all the answers are but children learn there most important things from their parents. I'm not sure how to not become a victim. Don't make fun of others and be friendly comes to mind, but I'm sure it is more complex than that.