School Based Prevention

School-based Violence Prevention
Dating violence has important negative effects on the mental and physical health of youth, as well as on their school performance.  Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for problems in future relationships, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life. Therefore, early intervention is needed to stop violence in youth relationships before it begins and keep it from continuing into adult relationships.  There are several ways that we can teach about healthy relationships and promote respect both in our schools.
In the classroom:
The following curricula are evidence based and have been rigorously evaluated.

The Fourth R – The Fourth R is a comprehensive school-based program designed to include students, teachers, parents, and the community in reducing violence and many of today’s risk behaviors. The Fourth R (R = Relationships) focuses on healthy relationships and decision-making relevant to adolescents. Click here for more information on the Fourth R in Alaska (link to 4^th R sub page)
 
Safe Dates – Safe Dates is a ten-session dating abuse curriculum.  It can be used as a dating abuse prevention tool for both male and female middle- and high-school students and would fit well within a health education, family life skills, or general life skills curriculum. Click here for more information on Safe Dates.
 
 
School Climate and Connectedness
School climate refers to factors that contribute to the tone and attitudes of staff and students in school. Positive school climate is associated with well-managed classrooms and common areas, high and clearly stated expectations concerning individual responsibility, feeling safe at school, and teachers and staff that consistently acknowledge all students and fairly address their behavior. Click here for more information on school climate in Alaska.
School connectedness is the belief held by students that adults and peers in the school care about their learning as well as about them as individuals—is an important protective factor. Research has shown that young people who feel connected to their school are less likely to engage in many risk behaviors¹, including early sexual initiation, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and violence.  Click here for additional resources on fostering school connectedness.