Childhood violence protection programs in Mexico schools

Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to describe a special school-based program designed to help teachers in Mexico protect their students when violence occurs in the school environment. Background: There is a great deal of violence that is occurring in Mexico because of the “war” between various drug cartels in the country. Since Mid-October 2009, at least nine shootings have occurred in school zones in Mexico. In June, 2010, there was a 1-hour “firefight” between soldiers and gunman only 60 feet from a preschool in the city of Taxco. As such, it is important that teachers be aware of things they can do to help protect students, and to teach students what they should do when this type violence erupts. This presentation is an explanation of the efforts within selected Mexico school districts to prepare teachers to deal with these violent episodes. Methods: Many school districts conduct “shootout drills” as a means to help protect their students. These types of drills were included in summer teacher-training courses which began in mid July 2010. Results: Because of the Taxco “battle,” special training has been planned for over 52,000 teachers in the state of Guerraro in the next year. Conclusions: Drug cartel battles are not restricted to Mexico. In the first week of July, 2010, some 21 individuals died in a gunfight that occurred near the Arizona border. The guidelines that have been developed for use in Mexico schools can be adapted for use in U.S. schools.