The violence problem in education

Remember back some years ago to your very first day of school-- for some it’s kindergarten and others it’s preschool. How did you feel as you entered the new environment? Were you scared to be away from your parents? Were you nervous, timid, or anxious or were you lonely because you didn’t know anyone? As time progressed, did you learn to become comfortable with your new surroundings? Did you acquire a sense of safety?

Schools are suppose to be a place for children to learn and be comfortable. Students should not have to worry about their safety or violent occurrences such as shootings and stabbings while they are in an educational facility. Statistics show that in America school violence is a major problem in education today.

Do you remember the day of the horrific catastrophe of Columbine, which is one of the most vivid school shootings in history? Imagine going to school and seeing this. How would you react?

In this one incident, thirteen students fell victim to the two shooters, who idolized Hitler. Researchers say they left signals days before the attack that should have given clue to authorities. Pieces of the violence were included in a writing that one of the students turned in, but how was the teacher supposed to know whether to take this seriously or if the child was just subject to violence at home, which influenced his writing?

Many organizations have been established to help eliminate the problem of violence. Programs such as DARE are incorporated in schools to teach students about how to handle problems in other ways than relying on violence. Guidance counselors are available to talk to students about problems as well. Some schools rely on student and faculty id cards or metal detectors at the school entrances to eliminate school violence. The problem with this is expense. These strategies are great ways to prevent some violence, but what else can be done about this major educational problem?

Quality Family Time- without Television

Marie Winn blames television for undermining family life. I do feel that television does take away from families in some households, but in many cases this is not true. Winn states, "Who could have guessed that twenty or so years later Mom would be watching a drama in the kitchen, the kids would be looking at cartoons in their room, while Dad would be taking in the ball game in the living room?" In most cases this isn't accurate at all. Many families watch shows together. For example, my family watches a movie together just about every night. Other families do this as well, but some don't watch television at all.Many other families have other problems that interfer with their time spent together not relating to the television.

The television can be very beneficial as well. Winn doesn't put enough emphasis on this topic. There are many educational programs for children, such as Seaseme Street. Also, stations such as the discovery channel can be very infromational as well. Many political issues are addressed by TV. For example, last night the address to the state of the union was televised. TV can be a medium that distributes good information, as well as bad. There can be good in televison.