Violence in Schools: The Response in Europe by Peter K. Smith

Author:Peter K. Smith
Language: eng
Format: azw3, pdf
ISBN: 9781134470365
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Published: 2004-08-02T04:00:00+00:00

Conclusion

In the last five years Greece has witnessed the beginnings of empirical research regarding the phenomenon of school violence. This has led to some initial realization of the existence of the problem. It has become apparent, however, that a lot of work remains to be done with respect to sensitization at all levels, from students and teachers to families, society and state policy.

Intervention programmes designed to combat violence are still few, and isolated. They lack systematic internal and external evaluation so that the reports we have frequently restrict themselves to descriptive data, glossing over problems and possible inadequacies. Additionally, it is essential at this initial stage to co-ordinate and disseminate accumulated knowledge to all interested parties, so that innovation and long-term continuity can be ensured. Any training seminar addressing school professionals and sharing knowledge about violent behaviour in school settings as well as principles of successful intervention should be presented in a way that ensures its implementation when the training programme ends. The diversity of problems usually encountered by professionals who try to use the knowledge acquired may frequently discourage application. Experience has shown over and over again that nothing proceeds in the smooth, predictable fashion it is presented as in training seminars, where model intervention programmes are introduced.

Teachers should be provided with extensive supportive resources, which they can use in case of problems, while active efforts should be taken to ensure a positive school ethos, which will not support the expression of violence between students, between teachers and students, or between teachers.

Finally, measures have to be taken to help minority students, whose numbers are steadily increasing, deal with difficulties in adjusting to school. Problems experienced might lead to intercultural conflict and pave the way to an escalation of alienation and racism. Schools need to develop beyond the oppressive homogenization that characterizes them today, towards respect for heterogeneity in the background interests and abilities of students, of Greek and non-Greek origin alike.

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