When we were younger, we hung out with our friends — sharing toys, riding bikes, having sleepovers, and playing video games. When did sharing and treating others like we want to be treated, turn into throwing punches and acting absurd? Violence has become a pressing issue in schools and society.

According to the Center For Global Development, “Globally we need to recognize that the learning crisis is inextricably linked with the prevalence of school-based violence, and urgent action for both is required.” 

I see violence at Central every day and some days more than others, from pushing other people around in the hallways to shouting in each other’s faces in the cafeteria. In the first few weeks of school, there have been a couple of fights. And after a while, it is tiring to hear about it all day long. This problem must be changed to shed a more positive light on the student body.

Violence negatively impacts a student’s learning. As stated by Verywell Mind, students who witness violence in school are more likely to have major anxiety,  depression, and have a difficult time with academics. Too often, fights break out in classrooms, leaving teachers rushing after the raging children and not having enough energy to continue class. It causes dysfunction in the kids’ instruction time, which is a problem for those eager to learn. Violence doesn’t just include physical fights, it’s also bullying and verbal abuse. Since technology plays a big role in schools these days, it is one of the many reasons students choose to fight. Cyberbullying is a main cause of violence in schools these days. Individuals think that hiding behind a screen will solve their problems. Will it really – or is it just an excuse to cause chaos? 

As a student who is affected by all the fighting, I do realize that a large number of times, it can’t always be stopped and we can’t do much to change it. However, we (students) can do more to calm down this problem or even prevent the violence that is occurring in schools… Let’s be honest, it is too early to be fighting at 8:00 on a Monday morning. Teachers are tired, students are tired, and most of us can agree that we are too old for this whole “fighting-everyone-we-don’t-like stage.” Some may deem it necessary to fight as it is an outlet for their pent-up frustrations or think that it gets their point across, making them feel seen after it’s all said and done. Maybe that’s why students fight, but is it really justified?

Here are 5 pieces of advice for the average, non-fighting student in situations like this:

1. Avoid the people who get into fights more often than not they will drag you into that lifestyle.
2. Similar to #1, choose your friends wisely. It’s challenging sometimes because you don’t want to be known as the loner or the one who can’t make friends, but you can find good friends somewhere.
3. If you know of a fight that is happening or about to happen, it is better to tell a trusted adult so that there is a possibility it can be stopped.
4. Being where you are supposed to be and knowing when you are supposed to be there, can save you from getting into trouble
5. Lastly, don’t make bad choices that will leave an everlasting impact on your reputation.

School violence is a vast issue that requires administrative attention. It’s something that needs to be stopped before it gets out of control. Yes, administrators have implemented Building a Bruin to try to get students to “see” each other, and they address problems when students come to see them about drama or violence; however, we also need a safe space for students who are feeling overwhelmed, angry, or stressed. Where they can listen to music, read, journal, or meditate to decrease the amount of violence at school. This environment would help students who may not feel comfortable talking to someone but need a place they can go to get away from everything going on around them. A safe space would allow students to cope mentally and give them time to decompress from reality.

Violence in schools

Effects of school violence