How do I go about starting a antiviolence program for my sons school?

Question

My son is 6 years old and starting 1st grade. I have noticed that the school has focused on antibullying. They have even come up with a "Switch it up lunch day" where the kids have to sit by other children they don't normally sit with. Here is where I am going with this. More and more we hear about shootings at school and violence between children. There has got to be a way to try to stop this. It seems like it is always the child who was the outcast and picked on. Or a child that came from a bad home. The school needs to have a closer watch on all the children, to have some sort of way of detecting "problem signs" I think people (teachers, other parents) need to step in and help out troubled children. Sorry, I am babbling and it's late! Any ideas?

Answer 1

I think this is a wonderful idea. I dont think any of us will soon forget Columbine High School.  My grandsons middle school absolutely will  not tolerate bullying by any student and I think its great. Contact the your sons elementary school principal and mention this idea to him/her.  Do you belong to the PTA in his school? If so, mention this the next time you attend a meeting.  Good Luck!

Answer 2

Ok, don't freak on me everyone, but I am a public school teacher.  I have observed first hand the cruelty of kids to one another.  I have tried to prevent it and had consequences for it but they are sneaky and continue where I can't see or hear.  All the schools say that they won't tolerate it but I can promise you when I write it up and send it to the office, they will come back on me and ask why I didn't handle it in my classroom.  I call the parents and they deny that their child would do it.  I try talking to them about how they would feel if it were them.  I use books to teach moral lessons.  I talk openly about it.  I promote treating others as you want to be treated and respecting each other.  Seriously, I am only one woman and I have 27 students.  The school system is a mess and I love teaching and I love my students, that is why I try so hard.  I just feel like it is too big of a problem for me to handle alone.  The kids still gang up on the less popular kids.  It is to the point that the kids say that I have favorites (the unpopular kids) because I am always watching out for mistreatment.

Anyway, you will need to see the school counselor to address adding this program to your school.  She is probably out for the summer.