School Violence: Recommendations From the Front Line

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With the psychological toll of COVID-19, school violence challenges, and plans to begin re-opening our economy, improving school safety plans should be a priority.

In a new study published in collaboration with the APA Violence Against Teachers Task Force, we examine recommendations from 245 Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers from across the U.S. who experienced school violence. Teachers reported violence from students (85 percent), parents (32 percent), administrators (15 percent), and colleagues (12 percent).

Teachers were asked about their worst experiences with violence, and many teachers described how responses to violence could be improved. We used an ecological framework to examine teachers’ recommendations at the individual, school, community, and societal levels to address this national problem.

At the individual level, teachers focused on how to avoid conflict, promote a safe classroom environment, and prevent escalation of violence. They suggested modeling positive behaviors and taking threats seriously.

At the school level, teachers highlighted the need for more effective discipline, placement, and safety policies. Teachers were frustrated when their discipline practices were ignored, questioned, or overridden by administrators, and they advocated for a more participatory response to school discipline issues. Teachers recommended more resources for both teachers and students, such as counseling, social services, skill-building, training, and special education supports. Teachers also highlighted the need for increased teacher support from administrators.

At the community level, teachers emphasized the need for improving relationships, involvement, and communication between parents and schools. Teachers also recommended a greater role for community organizations and enhanced community/school partnerships to address school and community violence.

Societally, teachers recommended greater respect and support for the teaching profession, less emphasis on test scores, and strengthening state and federal laws on bullying and special education.

Although many recommended strategies have been identified as best practices, this study suggests schools are often not implementing best practices. Some educators expressed feeling inadequately trained to address violence and concerns regarding the effectiveness of policies and procedures. Further, teachers often report a lack of support from administrators when violence does occur, citing greater accountability and support are needed.

We need more research regarding violence between various school stakeholders and effective solutions. What are the key ingredients that lead to successful and effective outcomes, especially in high-risk community contexts? Everyone is affected by school violence, there must be shared accountability and collaborative efforts across stakeholders to implement best practices and reduce violence.

When schools are back in session, we will need more effective planning, implementation, and solutions to address the emotional and behavioral tolls that result from ongoing and new post-pandemic challenges. Physical, psychological, and behavioral safety are prerequisites for effective teaching and learning.