All I'm Askin' is for a Little Respect : How Schools and School Health Centers Can Promote Violence-Free Schools

To explore the issue of violence in school settings and school health centers' roles in ameliorating these experiences, the University of California, San Francisco conducted focus groups with middle and high school students (54 males, 51 females) from six Alameda County schools in Spring, 2009. Most were high school students (n=84, 80%) and had used the school health center (n=91, 87%). Many identified as African American (n=38, 36%) or Latino/a (n=30, 29%).

Participants' experiences with violence ranged from bullying, stealing, and threatening remarks to fist fights, weapon-related violence, and gang violence. Although accounts of physical violence included both genders, females reported more involvement in verbal or emotional conflicts. Reported instigators of student violence included gossip, dating, racial tensions, and self-defense. Insecurity and lack of healthier outlets for emotions were common themes. Participants explained that greater respect among students, regardless of age, gender, race, neighborhood, and social clique, would decrease violence.

Although many thought that it was solely the students' responsibility to minimize violence, participants urged schools to repair security cameras and fire alarms, enforce stricter consequences for violence, and offer more activities like sports. Participants also suggested counseling, conflict mediation, and youth development programs through school health centers as ways to create healthier, violence-free schools. Alameda County school health centers have implemented innovative practices to promote positive school climates, including mental health counseling services, male involvement programs, yoga classes, and restorative justice measures. It is hoped that such interventions could reduce violence in the lives of adolescents.