Recent highly publicized campus shootings have drawn attention to the estrangement and animosity that some students experience at school. The causes of youthful alienation are varied and complex. The perception by peers that a person or group is "different" in some unacceptable way may result in harassment of individuals or mutual stereotyping among cliques. In other cases, inadequate assessment of special emotional, cognitive or physical needs may leave students "on their own" in an environment to which they are not well adapted.
School policies emphasizing respect for all people can help students who seem marginalized or isolated from school life. Follow these steps to detect signs of student estrangement and to create an inclusive atmosphere at your school:
• Curb taunting. Make an extra effort to detect particular patterns of derision that may be occurring at your school. Examples might include hurtful comments about body size, disabilities, sexual orientation, unfashionable or eccentric dress, use of languages other than English, and social and economic status. (see also Create an Unwelcome Environment for Hate Speech and Symbols.) Provide opportunities for classroom discussion of the issue. Encourage students to brainstorm responses and preventive measures.
• Create a bully-proof environment. Watch for bullying behavior in young children and provide an avenue for confidential reporting. Enlist other students to help support victims of bullying. If victims know that they are supported, they will be better able to stand up for themselves. Suggest ways victims can affirm themselves through "self-talk" that acknowledges the bully's abusive behavior but denies its validity. For example, a child being victimized because of his size might repeat to himself, "They may think I'm a short runt, but I know I'm OK." Use role-plays to highlight bully problems and model solutions.
Bear in mind that bullying behavior often masks feelings of insecurity. Make parents of bullying students aware of their child's behavior and offer to work with them through the school counselor in identifying underlying causes and supporting positive behavior. Simplify and clarify classroom rules, and provide consequences that reinforce respect. For instance, a 5th grade bully might be asked to hand out stickers to 1st grade "peacemakers."
• Be aware of students on the margins. Try to engage individual students who routinely appear to be "left out" in the cafeteria, on the playground or in other social settings. In response to the Littleton, Colo., shootings, seniors at one high school set out to identify and befriend troubled freshmen.
Show an interest in the music your students listen to, the Web sites they frequent, and the emblems they display on clothing and backpacks. Encourage dialogue about the feelings these materials represent. Confer with parents if a student exhibits hostility or depression or a marked change in behavior, attitude or academic performance.