Introduction
The topic of school violence and killings has become more and more prevalent in the news and conversations. In recent years, there have been numerous school shootings in the U.S., as well as other violent incidents involving students, teachers, and staff. The devastating effects of these events can be felt on an individual level, as children and adolescents are exposed to the trauma of their peers or their own experiences of violence. It is necessary to understand the psychological impact of school violence to create an environment where children feel safe and protected. This paper will investigate the psychological effects of school violence and killings on the perception of school and the educational experience of children.
Symptoms of Trauma
One of the most concerning consequences of school violence and killings is the trauma it can cause in children and adolescents. Trauma is defined as “an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event”, and it can manifest itself in a variety of ways (Crews 15). Common symptoms of trauma in children and adolescents include anxiety, depression, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating. Other physical symptoms can include headaches, stomach aches, and restlessness.
It is essential to be aware of the signs of trauma to intervene and offer help to kids who are having difficulty. Studies have concluded that those undergoing trauma often withhold their sentiments, resulting in a sense of culpability and humiliation that can increase the psychological effects (Rossin-Slater et al. 23486). Thus, creating a secure and encouraging atmosphere for kids and teenagers to communicate their experiences and emotions is necessary.
Fear
Fear is one of the significant psychological effects that school violence and killings have on children’s attitudes toward school. Studies have shown that when children witness or experience a violent incident at school, they may develop a fear of the school environment (Pierto 3). This fear can manifest in a variety of ways, from an increased sense of anxiety about going to school to feelings of dread when arriving at school to difficulty concentrating in class. Additionally, children who fear going to school may begin to avoid it altogether, leading to decreased academic performance and an increased risk of dropping out.
Guilt and Responsibility
Another psychological impact of school violence and killings on how children feel about school is guilt and responsibility. Research has uncovered that after a child is involved in or present for a violent event at school, they may experience guilt and responsibility, even when not directly connected to the occurrence (Pierto 4). This can bring about a sense of powerlessness, alongside an inability to cope with the situation. This may then harm the child’s educational attainment, as they may begin to feel nervous and pressured regarding school-related activities. Furthermore, this guilt and responsibility can result in a decline in self-confidence, as children may feel that they are to blame for the violence or killings.
Grief and Loss
School violence and killings affect how children feel about school, which can also include a sense of grief and loss. When a student is engaged in or perceives a violent occurrence at school, they might perceive a profound sense of bereavement and tragedy for those impacted. This may cause emotions of depression, fury, and perplexity, as well as a feeling of helplessness or disheartenment (Rossin-Slater et al. 23487). Grief may have a considerable impact on a child’s educational background since it could lead to a lessening of enthusiasm and attention and an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Additionally, this grief can cause escalated levels of truancy, as kids may stay away from school owing to their emotions of distress and dejection.
Distrust
When violence occurs in the educational setting, children often experience a heightened sense of mistrust. Studies have revealed that those who are involved in or witness violent incidents at school may become wary of their peers, teachers, and even adults in general (Polanin et al. 121). It leads to loneliness and social avoidance, as children may believe they cannot rely on anyone. These emotions can damage a child’s academic progress, resulting in fewer opportunities to engage in class or school activities. Furthermore, this lack of trust may make them more vulnerable to bullying and victimization, as they may feel that they cannot trust anyone to safeguard them.
Helplessness and Powerlessness
The psychological effects of school violence on children can be profound, leading to a feeling of helplessness and powerlessness. This can manifest as insecurity and vulnerability, as a child may feel unable to protect themselves or others (Polanin et al. 123). These feelings can hurt a child’s education, as they may become withdrawn and less likely to participate in class or other school activities. Moreover, this helplessness and powerlessness can increase the risk of bullying, as a child may lack the power to control the situation.
Potential Effects on Learning
Violence and death at school can also have a profound effect on a child’s ability to learn. Research has found that exposure to violence can lead to an increased sense of fear and anxiety, which can interfere with a child’s ability to focus and learn (Kim et al. 738). This can also lead to decreased academic performance and difficulty engaging in classroom activities.
In addition, school violence and fatalities can result in a decline in enrollment, as students may feel uneasy or endangered in the educational setting. Interruptions to instruction can occur when students cannot attend the required lectures or finish their assigned coursework. The potential effects of this could be long-lasting, with young people having difficulty keeping pace with their peers or even falling behind in their studies.
Creating a Safe Environment
To reduce the mental impact of school-related violence, it is vital to create a safe and supportive environment for children and adolescents. Schools should have protocols in place to respond to incidents of violence, as well as provide resources for those who have been affected. This can include counseling services, creating a safe space for students to talk, and implementing school-wide policies promoting safety and respect. Educating children and adolescents on the warning signs of violence is crucial to preventing future incidents and creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for them. Schools should also focus on creating an inclusive environment for all students and respecting their differences in race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation.
Parental Involvement
Parents can also play an essential role in helping to reduce the psychological impact of school violence and killings. Parents should be aware of the signs of trauma and be available to provide support for their children if needed (Crews 253). Additionally, parents should communicate with their children about their experiences and feelings, and provide reassurance that they are safe. Parents should also be aware of the resources available to their children, such as counseling services and support groups (Crews 248). It is important to recognize that children can be affected differently by school violence and killings, and it is crucial to provide support based on their individual needs.
The Importance of Understanding
It is critical to understand how school violence and killings affect the mental health of children and adolescents. Key steps include identifying the signs and potential long-term impacts of trauma. Furthermore, it’s vital to establish a safe, nurturing setting and educate youth about violence warning signs (Crews 189). Finally, because parental involvement is an integral part of recovery, engaging parents in the trauma-coping process is a must.
Conclusion
In conclusion, school violence and killings can have a profound psychological impact on how children feel about school. From a sense of fear and guilt and responsibility to a sense of grief and loss, and helplessness and powerlessness towards authority figures, these events can shape and affect a child’s perception of school and the educational experience. To foster an environment where children feel safe and secure, it is essential to recognize the psychological repercussions of these events and provide mental health interventions accordingly. This involves recognizing the signs of trauma, creating a secure atmosphere, and engaging parents in the process. In this manner, all children can feel safe and supported in their educational journey, allowing them to reach their maximum potential.
Works Cited
Crews, G. A. Impact of School Shootings on Classroom Culture, Curriculum, and Learning. IGI Global, 2021.
Kim, Youn K. et al. “Risk Factors of Academic Performance: Experiences of School Violence, School Safety Concerns, and Depression by Gender.” Child Youth Care Forum, vol. 49, 2020, pp. 725–742. Web.
Pierto, Ferrara, et al. “Physical, Psychological and Social Impact of School Violence on Children.” Italian Journal of Pediatrics, vol. 45, no. 76, 2019, pp. 1-4. Web.
Polanin, Joshua R. et al. “A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Partial Correlations Between School Violence and Mental Health, School Performance, and Criminal or Delinquent Acts.” Psychological Bulletin, vol. 147, no. 2, 2021, pp. 115–133. Web.
Rossin-Slater, Maya et al. “Local exposure to school shootings and youth antidepressant use.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 117, no. 38. 2020, pp. 23484-23489. Web.