New York Center Addresses Violence Prevention
by M.C. Cohen

Recent statistics show that violence in schools is down; in the 1992-93 school year there were 54 violent deaths in the United States, compared to 16 last year. Still, our schools are far from safe. In 1997 there were 4,000 rapes and 11,000 weapon fights reported in schools. And school shootings, in the span of three weeks this March in the same district in San Diego, there were two separate school shootings.

What can we do to cope with all this violence? Prevention maybe the best medicine. One New York agency, the Center for Social and Emotional Education’s goal is just that.

“We’re involved with supporting parents and educators who want to raise socially and emotionally competent children,” says co-founder and president, Dr. Jonathan Cohen.

Through a web site (www.csee.net), books, videotapes and presentations, the Center teaches the importance of developing outstanding citizenship.

“It’s basically understanding the importance of teaching children and parents how to understand yourself and others,” says Lauren Hyman who presents violence prevention methods in curriculum for the Center.

Using problem-solving, conflict resolution and role playing, the Center deals with the emotional side of the student with the hope of developing a school climate that is safe and productive. According to Hyman, by dealing with children on this level, violence can be prevented.

“The cornerstone of our program is to effectively deal with children in such a way that there feeling a sense of control and are able to deal constructively instead of destructively,” she says.

Recent research shows that indeed, children who are taught with preventative ways of dealing with problems are better able to handle conflict. While many schools have plans to deal with violence while it occurs—a lockdown or a drill, for example—Hyman says that these reactions are already too late in the process.

“Why wait until it happens,” she asks. “Why not deal with it before it happens.”

Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel: (212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of the publisher. © 2001.