Violence in Schools: Issues, Consequences, and Expressions [Hardcover]

Kathy Sexton-Radek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2004

School violence, from simple bullying to murder, is on the rise. Therefore, Kathy Sexton-Radek has addressed the need for a straightforward, in-depth discussion of school violence in this edited collection. She has compiled essays from an impressive group of authors including both academics and practitioners. Together, they present a comprehensive view of the many types of school violence and how to prevent it. This book will serve as an invaluable tool for teachers, parents, counselors, school administrators, and psychologists dealing with violent children and their victims.

This volume is divided into three major sections, the first of which provides a conceptual foundation to help the reader understand school violence. Section two presents programmatic strategies for the prevention of violence. And, finally, the third section offers a chapter by Sexton-Radek on conflict resolution and several useful appendices, one of which is a listing of web resources for violence prevention programming.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

This somewhat academic, but readable, treatment of school violence (including the increasing trend of bullying) should give a wake-up call to every adult working with young people. A few selected statistics are alarming: "84% of junior high school students report experiencing at least one incident of bullying or teasing"; "74% of children from 8 to 11 years of age and 84% at the 12- to 15-year age range have reported teasing and bullying at their school." Also: "Younger children believe that adults can be helpful and do solicit help from adults. But by the time students reach high school, only 6% of the 66% of bullied students felt that school personnel assisted them in a meaningful way." The first section provides a conceptual foundation for the understanding of school violence, examining it in a sociocultural context; a study of the development of aggression in an individual; and a cognitive study that addresses bullying and teasing as equally devastating to the victim as physical violence. The second section looks at strategies to enact violence-prevention programs in schools. A discussion of the development and implementation of violence-prevention programs may be particularly useful. This section also includes a discussion of parenting styles and the role of parenting in a child's violent behavior. The third section discusses research on conflict-resolution programs. This resource should be considered for all school and library professional reading collections.–Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Half of the violence involving children occurs at school, ranging from bullying to murder. Psychology professor Sexton-Radek presents essays by academicians and psychologists, exploring definitions and causes of violence in schools and how it can be prevented. Part 1 offers research on the social and cultural context in which school violence occurs, homing in on the development of aggressive individuals beyond the normal rough-and-tumble play of childhood. The second part provides strategies for preventing violence, including enhancing children's social skills. The third part reviews research of conflict-resolution programs and their effectiveness in predicting violent behavior in children. Among the statistics are harrowing descriptions of violence in the inner city, where many children suffer post-traumatic stress disorders, and the social forces compelling children in suburban environments to commit violence. Although some of the essays are a bit academic, parents and teachers, as well as psychologists, will find this a useful resource for dealing with a troubling social trend. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Praeger (October 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275979873
• ISBN-13: 978-0275979874
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,327,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)