The headlines have been horrifying. The names of once obscure towns are now familiar, linked to nearly overwhelming tragedy: Littleton, Colorado; Jonesboro, Arkansas; West Paducah, Kentucky; Springfield, Oregon. In all, more than a dozen dead, two dozen injured, countless traumatized. Most horrifying of all, the gunmen are children: the oldest 16, the youngest 11. The mental, moral, and spiritual health of children around the country has become suspect.

Arguments rage over the possible causes of the rash of shootings - lack of family values, violent popular culture, the easy accessibility of guns. In the torrent of news and analysis that's resulted, clear-cut answers are difficult to find; even the extent of the problem of violent youth has been hard to determine. The important questions remain, however; what can parents, students, educators, law enforcement, and other community members do to prevent violence committed by and against our children?; and how can the risk of such violence be minimized in the future?

A child with a gun set the nation thinking the unthinkable. Two years ago after Barry Loukaitis killed three people in Moses Lake, Washington, a second child opened fire in Springfield, Oregon, in another year of violence across the nation. Today, we are not much further along in ensuring our schools are safe.

Future of Education in America by Bill Bennett

Identifying a child with violent tendencies

Keeping American Schools Safe is about the state of violence in American schools today and methods for making and keeping schools safer places.

When identifying characteristics or symptoms of children with violent tendencies we can never be sure how accurate they are or that we are not stereotyping. No one symptom stands out to imply a violent behavior. As parents, educators, community members and law enforcement, we must observe our children for certain traits. In this way we establish a pattern of mild, moderate or severe levels of potential violence.

A profile of a child with violent tendencies might include:

• Has tantrums and uncontrollable anger.
• Characteristically resorts to name calling, cursing or abusive language.
• Habitually makes a violent threat when angry.
• Has previously brought a weapon to school.
• Has a background of discipline problems.
• Has a background of substance abuse.
• Has few or no close friends.
• No supervision at home.
• Is preoccupied with weapons, explosives or other incendiary devices. Displays cruelty to animals.
• Has witnessed or been a victim of neglect or abuse.
• Feelings of being picked on or persecuted.
• Tends to blame others for difficulties and problems.
• Consistently prefers television shows, reading materials, movies or music that express violent themes, rituals and abuse.
• Obsessed with military paraphernalia.
• Reflects anger, frustration and the dark side of life in school writings, drawings or projects.
• Is involved in gang or an antisocial group on the fringes of peer acceptance.
• Uncontrollable rage.
• Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating and bullying behaviors.
• Past history of violent and aggressive behavior.
• Fascinated by fire.
• No remorse.
• Self-inflicted wounds.
• Low school interest and poor academic performance.

FREE Guide to Explosive Children

Violence in America

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More about the author

Anne G. Garrett has been a public school educator for over two decades and is currently the associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Haywood County Schools in Waynesville, North Carolina. She lives in Clyde with her husband, Gary. The book is dedicated to the children who have been killed, injured or traumatized by school violence. If this book reaches one child or parent, then author's goal has been accomplished.

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"The Future of Education in America"
An exclusive interview with William Bennett, Ph.D.
hosted by Sue Spataro
William J. Bennett has devoted most of his professional life to improving America's schools and studying what works in education. He is the former U.S. Secretary of Education. Dr. Bennett has also served as chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities and director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. He has written and edited 14 books—including national bestsellers such as The Educated Child: A Parent's Guide. In this exclusive interview with William Bennett, we discuss: the breakdown of the traditional two-parent family; what's wrong with the public-school system in America; Dr Bennett's new k12.com program; and changing attitudes about homeschooling.

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During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we can offset this natural tendency in our children by giving them the skills to think more positively. We need to arm our children with a positive attitude, so that they can stay focused in the right direction. We'll look at some typical negative statements from children, along with some positive responses from their wise parents. Modeling a positive attitude is one of the most effective ways of teaching your children. Children learn what they live. Find out more.

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With 20 million plus families in the United States having a child with special needs, more children with challenges are being mainstreamed into America's public schools. Unfortunately, too often those without special needs feel uncomfortable around a classmate who seems out-of-sync. What's more, they can translate their discomfort into ugly behaviors, such as verbally demeaning or physically hurting the individual with differences. Helping youngsters become more sensitive is always important. Here are some specific ways to make kids feel more comfortable.

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