Promoting Nonviolence and Empathy in Schools
School shootings are traumatic events that deeply impact students, teachers, families, and communities. As education reform experts, our role is not to speculate about hypothetical violent scenarios, but to advocate for preventative policies rooted in nonviolence, empathy, and care for the wellbeing of all.
Below I outline evidence-based approaches for making schools safer while upholding the dignity of every person:
Implement Social-Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning (SEL) teaches students essential life skills like managing emotions, feeling empathy, resolving conflicts peacefully, and making responsible decisions. Meta-analyses show SEL programs in schools enhance students‘ academic performance, behaviors, attitudes, and mental health (source).
Adopt Restorative Justice Practices
Restorative justice is an approach that focuses on repairing harm through inclusive dialogue, accountability, and making things right. Instead of punitive discipline, it gives those impacted by misconduct a voice in deciding how best to heal and prevent future harms. Studies associate restorative programs with reduced suspensions, expulsions, and violence in schools (source).
Strengthen Community Partnerships
Partnering with local counseling services, youth programs, law enforcement, and community organizations can expand the resources available to support students‘ wellbeing. Schools should continually evaluate their referral systems and partnerships to determine if they are adequately meeting students‘ social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Promote Inclusive School Climates
A positive school climate where all students feel safe, welcome, and valued for who they are is protective against violence and misconduct (source). Schools leaders should adopt anti-bullying policies, support marginalized students, facilitate cross-cultural dialogues, and foster understanding between different groups.
While exceptional cases may require emergency responses, violence prevention in schools should primarily focus on proactive policies and practices that address root causes, provide students support, and promote nonviolence and empathy as constructive solutions. With care and intention, we can cultivate school communities where all youth thrive.
