NCJ Number
112298
Journal
Lay Panel Magazine Volume: 18 Dated: (September 1987) Pages: 16-18
Date Published
1987
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In Japan, vandalism and violence against teachers and students increased 29 percent between 1979 and 1980.
Abstract
Conspicuous features of violence in the school includes its vicious nature, the involvement of violent groups or gangs, and the high involvement of dropouts and delinquents. Social and economic conditions contributing to school violence include rapid economic development and urbanization, changes in the traditional Japanese family, increasing isolation and anonymity, an increasing emphasis on consumption and pleasure, and the highly competitive nature of schooling. Other factors include family dissolution or disruption, parental absence, lack of parental control, poverty, and parental overprotectiveness. Violent children often are characterized by poor school performance, aimlessness, self-indulgence, emotional disturbance, delinquent peer group participation, and lack of personal responsibility and self-control. Efforts to prevent school violence should focus on improving school facilities and environment, tailoring education to the personalities and needs of the student, improved discipline, and emphasis on teachers' role in providing guidance to students. Prevention also must focus on improving conditions in the family through re-education aimed at improving family-juvenile relations. Improved family-school relations also are needed. Finally, communities must organize delinquency prevention programs, and liaisons must be established among schools, families, and communities. 4 references.