Talk to your teen about what actions she can take to make her school a safer place. These suggestions can help:

• Refuse to bring a weapon to school or carry one for anyone else. Refuse to keep quiet if someone has a weapon at school.

• Report troubling behavior and talk to teachers and counselors. Most teens tell someone before they commit violence.

• Learn how to manage anger. Find ways to settle arguments by talking it out, working it out or walking away.

• Help others learn to settle disputes. Many schools offer training for teens who want to become peer counselors.

• Mentor a younger student. Older students can serve as role models.

• Encourage the school to set up a teen court. Students serve as judge, jury, defense counsel and prosecutor. The court hears and decides cases. They can hand out sentences.

Teens feel more involved in this process than in a discipline program run only by adults.

• Welcome new students. Help them feel a part of the school. Get to know at least one new person.

• Take a “peace pledge.” Students promise to avoid violence, reject weapons and work toward a safe campus for everyone.

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