While students have a right to exercise free speech, schools have a responsibility to ensure safety and maintain the integrity of the learning environment. School and district administration must prepare for the potential of civil unrest both in the community and at school (e.g., walkouts, sit-ins, protests), and to prevent or mitigate the impact…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made the assessment that COVID-19 (coronavirus) can be characterised as a pandemic and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories. While a lot is still unknown about the virus that causes COVID-19, we do know that it is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an…

Student murder and suicide are traumatic experiences for schools. The first article explains how a Massachusetts high school coped with the murder of a popular student by her boyfriend, a classmate. The second article examines the adolescent suicide crisis and offers prevention strategies. (MLH)

This document is a short summary of teenage suicide issues intended for use by teachers. Possible causes for teenage suicide are discussed, including: (1) chemical abuse; (2) unrealistic view of death; (3) the nuclear threat; (4) societal changes; (5) family changes; (6) lifestyle decisions; (7) academic pressures; and (8) the success code.…

This paper focuses on assisting families who have been damaged by substance abuse and on constructive involvement of families to help all members cope. The four main topics are: (1) "Substance Abuse and Family Systems," including the effects of substance abuse on families and children; (2) "Theories and Approaches to Family…

Among 17 suggestions for supervisors trying to prevent discipline related teacher stress and burnout are developing clear, decisive guidelines for disciplinary action; making memos meaningful; following up on staff requests; permitting the teacher to control the class; providing demonstration teaching; and organizing a meaningful staff development…

Medical play can be used as a tool to aid children in coping with stress related to hospitalization, surgery, medical care, and illness. Providing children with adequate guidance and appropriate supplies necessary for medical play, prepares children for medical experiences by enabling them to express their thoughts and feelings. Before attempting…

Notes that children's fear either fosters their sense of self-preservation or inhibits and debilitates them. Examines the sources and development of children's fears, citing three constructs that help children cope: self-worth, security, and control. Describes a prevention model with three levels of intervention: developmental guidance, focus on…

This document notes that counselors are increasingly called upon to develop activities intended to prevent rather than remediate. It describes a model by which counselors can systematically develop, implement, and then evaluate a preventive intervention, and it suggests that the most beneficial approach is group planning with the involvement of…

Defines the syndrome of burnout and discusses some of the professional and personal hazards that confront the practicing counselor. Examines intrapersonal and interpersonal difficulties which result from burnout. Provides suggestions for dealing with burnout. (Author/RC)

This booklet provides information and guidance for parents in Great Britain on dealing with bullying at school. It defines bullying, describes how families can identify if a family member is being bullied, and outlines how schools are trying to create an atmosphere where bullying is not tolerated. It also discusses how to "bully-proof"…

This article examines the runaway reaction as it was displayed by Barry, a 14-year-old eighth-grade boy with learning disabilities. It identifies some of the common characteristics of this response and proposes school intervention methods. Functional behavioral assessments and strength-based assessments are encouraged, along with using strategy…

Schools are among the safest places in America, however, every year school children are affected by stressful events. Whether there is war in another country or death in the schoolyard, these events can interfere with learning and may have long-term effects on children and communities. "Crisis Prevention and Intervention in the Classroom" will…

From birth--and possibly before--children are likely to encounter a considerable amount of stress generated by society. This book explains what adults can do to prevent and/or minimize the harmful consequences of stress for children. Part 1, "Understanding Stress in Children," explores the general causes of stress, with particular emphasis on…

Ways hospitals can promote the psychological and social well being of young patients are explored in this paper. First, the importance of familiarizing the child with the hospital is emphasized. Second, emotions hospitalized children may feel and the possible causes of those emotions are listed. Third, methods hospital personnel can use to help…