preventing school violence

bullying and harrasment

The increasing incidence of violence affects both staff and pupils of all age levels, from pre-school to secondary school. Experts come up with many causes for this violence, poverty, family breakdown, racial intolerance etc. One thing they all seem to agree on is that our culture places too high a premium on violence as the most effective problem solver.

Experts also seem to agree on two aspects of the solution. All sectors of our society working together can solve the problem. Solutions need to involve school children but the solutions don't have to be highly sophisticated or require massive amounts of money.

Safe schools
We are committed to providing all our pupils with a learning environment free from violence and intimidation. All our pupils are required to honour and support this commitment too. As a parent or carer you have a crucial role to play in helping us achieve this so that you know that your child is being educated in an environment where she or he feels safe.

All schools in Lewisham will have a Behaviour Policy that you should ask to see. This will tell you the standards of behaviour the school will expect from your child and the sanctions the school will use if these standards are breached, as well as other ways in which the school recognises good behaviour.

From time to time your child may go through a phase where, despite you practising good parenting skills, you are unable to change unacceptable behaviour. When you know that this is occurring at school too, then you may want to speak to your child's headteacher, or a member of the school staff, who may be able to offer additional advice and support and, in appropriate circumstances, put you in contact with other methods of help we can provide.

Safe homes
Safe homes begin with parents spending quality time with their children and exhibiting love and caring within the family setting. Children must be taught the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Little can be done if violence is not seen as wrong at home. Children who show early aggressive behaviour require prompt intervention. Such early intervention can reduce aggressive and anti-social behaviour and can also affect certain risk factors associated with anti-social behaviour such as low educational achievement and inconsistent parenting practices.

Role of parents and carers and the family
Let your children know that you like them. Tell your children how much you admire their good qualities. Don't take good behaviour for granted. Remember to reward them once in a while. These rewards may take the form of extra reading, time spent in an activity chosen by your children, or even something as simple as a hug. Listening to your children, hugging them, smiling, or just talking to them are all rewards - and the kinds that you can give on numerous occasions throughout the day. One of the most powerful rewards for children is love, interest and the attention of a loving parent or carer.

Let your children know what you expect from them - set limits. Children need to know exactly what is expected of them and also how you will react to them. It is important to state your requests clearly. Set rules that you think are important and be firm in seeing that your children follow them. Do not make rules you have no intention of enforcing and do not expect perfection - we all make mistakes and that is how we learn.

Encourage responsible decision making, at a level appropriate to your child's age. If you treat children as responsible individuals, their sense of responsibility will rapidly increase.
Set good examples. Children are great imitators. Acknowledge examples of good behaviour displayed by your child. While you are telling your children why you think they should not steal, cheat, or be cruel to others, be sure they cannot cite something in your behaviour that contradicts these values.

Encourage your children to respect proper authority at home, in school and in the other areas of their lives. Your children should know the importance of respecting authority. Help your children understand that it is harmful to them, as well as to everyone else, to have constant arguments, fights and problems with peers and adults. Let your children see how their misbehaviour affects other people.

Have fun with your children. Young people need to interact with adults. Try choosing a regular time each week to do things as a family. Engaging in sports, sharing hobbies, visiting places of interest are some of the many activities you can share with your children on a regular basis. In addition, invite your children to join in some of the activities in which they may not usually be asked to participate. Also encourage your children to ask questions and to express their points of view.

Don't give up because consistency will determine the success of whatever method you use. Form a clear objective, then take a few steps at a time in that direction.

warning signs for parents
Beware if your child is:

More parenting tips
Prevention is the key to controlling gang activity. Parents and carers should look for changes in the behaviour pattern of their children. Such changes include truancy, a decline in school grades, changing of friends, late hours, graffiti in their bedrooms and other indications of gang involvement. Here are some suggestions to combat any such tendencies: Bullying and harassment at school
Your child should know that any form of bullying and harassment will not be tolerated in any of our schools. Pupils who bully and harass other pupils can expect to receive disciplinary action, which in severe cases, may lead to permanent exclusion from school.

If you think your child is being bullied or harassed at school see our leaflet in this series called What to do if your child is being bullied or harassed at school. Remember that children who are bullied often become bullies themselves.