GIVING TEENS A VOICE

As memories of the Columbine High School shoot-out begin to fade from our collective short-term memories, experts from UMDNJ’s Violence Institute of New Jersey ponder their next step. They’re analyzing reams of material in the form of transcripts of small-group discussions held on May 17, when more than 350 students from 60 New Jersey high schools converged on the campus of the College of New Jersey in Ewing for a full-day conference sponsored by the Institute.

The teens had done some pondering about what might lead to turmoil in their schools. They were divided into 35 small groups to discuss violence in relation to drugs and alcohol, racism and discrimination, family, interactions between police and youth, and relationships.

Each group presented their suggestions to all conference participants, including a panel of policy makers, at the day's end. Among their proposals: mandatory anti-violence classes starting in kindergarten; trained peer counselors; better informed and more diverse police forces; ending out-of-school suspensions; more structured after-school and weekend activities; small “rap” sessions for teens; and stress management classes for parents.

Michael B. Green, PhD, executive director of the Violence Institute, says the summit was designed to give teens a voice in what actions will be taken to stop school violence. “The discussion so far has been too adult-centered, and not youth-centered,” he says. The students’ comments will provide input for future violence prevention programs in the state’s schools.