Have you been involved in or seen a fight recently? It is self-evident that violence and fighting has become a drastic obstacle occurring in adolescents’ lives.
Fighting has especially been recognized throughout middle schools in the U.S. In 2011, a survey conducted by the Children’s Institute International revealed that almost fifty percent of all teenagers believe that their schools are becoming more violent.
But what is causing this disruption in children? Holbrook Middle-High School’s new Principals Round Table, where students discuss topics along with the principal, has debated this topic. Students say that possible reasons for participating in fighting are for attention, something to prove, enjoy the drama, self defense, and just simply like to fight. Clearly these reasons are not appropriate for a fight to take place on school grounds.
Something to take into consideration is that during the middle school experience, bullying, harassment, homophobia, and racism are all problems students are facing. During this crucial time in development these injustices tend to lead to violence. The culture and environment of a person can affect them drastically and in today’s standard fighting is considered “normal”. Young children growing up around this leads to even more violence.
Another theory was, could the pandemic have affected the students in a way for fighting to increase?
Mrs. Trioa, middle school math teacher at Holbrook Middle-High said, “The pandemic has caused students to not be properly prepared for social situations and don’t know how to navigate socially.”
As we recognize those who do fight, we also invite those who don’t to set an example for those who struggle with violence. “We need good leadership from not only the teachers but the students.” says Principal Tarsky. It is shown that students who participate in multiple activities are less likely to condone fighting. Taking anger and inputting it into something that can benefit you is a healthy way to cope with overflowing violent emotions. Principal Tarsky adds, “The vast majority are not fighting but one fight is one too many.”
There is no way to eliminate violence in schools but there are ways to prevent it. Teaching students how to convert their violent emotions, building relationships with teachers and advisors, learning how to reach out when in need, are all ways to prevent fighting.
Ms. Gallagher, middle school English teacher, says, “To help stop fighting in the middle school, the school and families of the student body have to work together.”
It is important for everyone to realize that violence is never the answer and there is always another way to resolve issues.