Parents’ Perceptions of Causes of and Solutions for School Violence: Implications for Policy

Abstract

This study explores perceptions of causes of and solutions for school violence in a sample of 202 parents interviewed in the wake of nationally publicized school shootings. We also investigate the effects the school shootings had on children, parents' perceptions regarding firearms, and changes in parenting behavior. Parents exhibited strong support for almost all proposed causes and solutions, and we address their desire for immediate and often invasive interventions to prevent future violence. We contrast parents' perceptions with their own parenting behaviors and with literature on effective interventions. Results are discussed within the context of policy implications.Editors' Strategic Implications: Parents' perceptions and behaviors are frequently influenced by history effects. The national attention received by school shootings provided an opportunity for exploration of those perceptions and self-reported behaviors. The authors provide evidence from timely surveys that parents struggle with identifying causal factors that may contribute to school violence and consequently support a myriad of strategies for intervention including very invasive environmental preventive strategies. The findings suggest that social scientists should play a proactive role in translating research-supported preventive strategies to effective replications in the community and make research available in formats that are available and comprehensible by the lay public.

The link between parents' perceptions of the school and their responses to school bullying: Variation by child characteristics and the forms of victimization.

“…Despite the increasing awareness of the importance of familyschool collaboration for effective school-based violenceprevention programs, few schools are able to successfully engage parents in these types of efforts (Berger, 2007;Bliss, Emshoff, Buck, & Cook, 2006;Bradshaw, Zmuda, Kellam, & Ialongo, 2009). As such, additional research is needed to determine factors that increase parent involvement in school-based violenceprevention programming.…”

Armed Employees and School Policy: The Issues and Perspectives of School Employees Regarding Armed Personnel in a Rural High School Setting

“…It was also made evident that while previous research has made it clear that building positive relationships and increasing student connectivity are key components toward decreasing school violence, the purpose of this research was to discover the perspectives of employees in regards to responding to a school shooting that was already in progress. (Daniels et al, 2007;Daniels et al, 2010;Bliss et al, 2006).…”

“…Previous research has suggested that in order to prevent school shootings it is important that schools focus on developing relationships and making sure students feel connected to their school, however this is something that can take years to develop. (Daniels et al, 2007;Daniels et al, 2010;Bliss et al, 2006).…”

“…The more guns there are, the less sense of safety there is (Patten et al, 2013). Previous research has also suggested that parents view arming teachers as one of the least favorable suggestions toward decreasing school violence (Bliss et al, 2006). Most opponents of arming teachers would suggest that money be spent on more mental health initiatives as proactive measures, rather than increasing security (Shah, 2013b).…”

Protecting Our Children: Preventing Violence in Our Schools and Communities

“…One study I found showed that parents held insufficient positive parenting as an important factor in the prevalence of school-based violence (Bliss, Eimshoff, Buck, & Cook, 2006). They favored programs that encouraged increased parental involvement in the schools and at home with children.…”