Abstract

This systematic review examines programs designed to reduce school violence. The review indicates the lack of definitive results of previous reviews, addresses the gaps in the existing literature, and supports the need for social workers to play an active role in organizing, promoting, and coordinating violence reduction processes. In addition, the review attempts to clarify the effects of violence reduction processes as they relate to school culture change.

Results indicate that programs identified in this systematic review could help to create positive social environments that reduce incidences of violence creating and atmosphere more favorable to learning. Further, identified programs are shown to reduce office referrals, in school suspensions, and out of school suspensions. While these results are notable, it is likely the identified programs are one component of a holistic strategy for changing school culture. Adding other processes could help to sustain a positive social environment over time and reduce incidence of violence, office referrals, and suspensions. Further study is needed to substantiate this hypothesis as this is beyond this study.

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