School violence is a significant issue affecting many students. It can manifest in various forms, including physical altercations, rumors, and bullying. Understanding how to address these issues, who to speak to, the possible consequences of fighting, and how to handle conflicts effectively is essential.
If you are experiencing bullying, speaking to someone about it is crucial. Counselors, teachers, assistant principals, or trusted friends can provide guidance and help take the necessary steps to address the situation.
The Investigation Process
When bullying is reported, the school gathers information from the victim, witnesses, and the alleged bully. The assistant principal for the student’s grade level conducts an investigation, ensuring all perspectives are considered before taking any action.
Bullying can take different forms, including physical assault, cyberbullying, and verbal attacks. Typically, bullying is not a one-time occurrence but an ongoing issue that involves power dynamics, such as differences in age, size, or social status.
Austin Independent School District (AISD) has a structured procedure for handling confirmed cases of bullying. Once an investigation determines that bullying has occurred, disciplinary actions may follow, including suspension. The severity of the consequences depends on the specifics of the situation.
Restorative Practices and Conflict Resolution
Raina Gradford, Restorative Practices Associate, explained, “Things are never going to be black and white, so we always have to understand that and be flexible. Everyone at this school is a young adult, and young people make mistakes. We need to figure out how to stop these behaviors, why they are happening, and what needs to be done to make things right.”
At Crockett, school staff work to prevent fights by intervening early. If they hear that a conflict is brewing, they check in with the students involved to understand the situation and de-escalate tensions. The first step in resolving conflict is listening—providing a safe space for students to express their concerns without fear of escalation.
One method used for conflict resolution is restorative circles. These allow students to communicate openly using a designated talking piece, following structured rules to ensure productive discussions. Additionally, the district has stay-away agreements, which prohibit involved students from interacting in person or on social media.
Gradford emphasized the importance of these practices, stating, “With restorative practices, we’re looking for conflict resolution. That means people taking accountability for themselves and understanding, ‘Why am I upset? What do I need to feel whole again?’ We work to hold space for them.”
Consequences of Physical Altercations
If a fight does break out, the immediate priority is ensuring safety. Staff separate the students, allow them to calm down, and regulate their emotions before discussing what happened. Those involved in a fight are typically sent home as part of a cooling-off period and may receive a suspension.
If two students willingly engage in a physical fight, both face suspension. However, if one student attacks another who does not retaliate, it is classified as an assault. In such cases, an investigation follows, and suspensions can range from one to three days, depending on the severity. Additionally, in cases of assault, parents or guardians may choose to press charges.
The Role of Bystanders
Bystanders—those who witness potential conflicts—can play a crucial role in preventing violence. By alerting an adult or stepping in to de-escalate a situation, they can help stop fights before they start.
Overall, Gradford believes that any fight is one too many. “We have to model what conflict resolution looks like because conflict is inevitable. There will always be different perspectives, and we need to find ways to navigate them. The adults in our world—including those in government and law enforcement—don’t always set the best example. I don’t blame young people for their actions, but I do feel responsible for giving them the tools to make better choices.”