Starting the School Year Positively:Helping kids get along and preventing school violence is everyone's job
RSSNational Gang Center
Gangs plague all communities. They're in high schools, middle schools—and yes, even in schools at the elementary level. If parents, teachers, and administrators think their schools are gang-free, the resources on this website may encourage them to take a closer look at what's going on locally. Created by: U.S. Dept. of Justice. Don't miss: The insightful FAQ.
Out on a Limb—A Guide to Getting Along
Help elementary students better manage conflicts with this interactive site. Created by: The University of Illinois Extension. Don't miss: The Teachers' Guide for creative class activities and worksheets (also available in Spanish and Arabic). Detour: "It's My Life—Friends" (to.pbs.org/dDrG8M) is designed for tweens. Try your hand at the "Rumor Control" game.
School Safety
A great starting place for information on violence prevention and school safety. Created by: The National Crime Prevention Council. Of special note: The School Safety and Security Toolkit. Also check out the navbar tabs on bullying, conflict resolution, and gang violence prevention. Detour: For school safety articles written especially for parents, visit "School Violence."
Stop Bullying Now!
This practical source teaches upper elementary and middle school kids what they can do when faced with a bully or how they can help other kids who are being harassed. Created by: U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. Don't miss: The 12 animated "Webisodes" to learn how KB, Josh, and Milton deal with schoolyard tyrants. Also, check out the 11 related games and the "What Adults Can Do" section. This site is also available in Spanish.
Stryve (Striving to Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere)
The Stryve initiative is all about preventing youth violence before it starts. Here, educators, parents, and community leaders can find numerous resources on youth violence and its impact on communities, and most importantly learn prevention strategies that work. Created by: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Don't miss: The three online training videos: "Look for Warning Signs," "Understand Youth Violence," and "Protect Your Community." Consider using them as the basis for a series on youth violence at your library or school.
| Author Information |
| Gail Junion-Metz (gail@iage.com) is the author of seven books for librarians. |
