Description
Book SynopsisIllustrated with numerous case studies-many drawn from the author’s work as a forensic psychologist-this book identifies 19 myths and misconceptions about youth violence, from ordinary bullying to rampage shootings. It covers controversial topics such as gun control and the effects of entertainment violence on children. The author demonstrates how fear of school violence has resulted in misguided, counterproductive educational policies and practices ranging from boot camps to zero tolerance. He reviews evidence from hundreds of controlled studies showing that school-based school violence prevention programs and mental health services, which are largely effective, are often overlooked in favor of politically popular yet ineffective programs such as school uniforms, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, and Scared Straight. He concludes by reviewing some of his own research on student threat assessment as a more flexible and less punitive alternative to zero tolerance, and presents a wi
Trade Review"There is much to recommend in this book. It is perhaps the best single volume that is available for the educated lay reader. The format is accessible...the reasoning is sound and the research cited is substantial....would certainly recommend the book...."
—PsycCRITIQUES
Table of ContentsPreface. The Fear of School Violence: An Overview. Are Our Schools Safe?: From Juvenile Crime to School Violence. What Caused the School Shootings? How Many Guns in Our Schools? What Can We Do About Bullying? Are We Teaching Our Kids to Kill? Does Prevention Work? What Doesn't Work? How Can We Deal With Student Threats? What Do Our Schools Need?
