Common Causes of Trauma
in Children:
School Climate
Every child has the right to feel welcomed,
safe, respected and motivated to learn in the school environment.
This is not always the case. A major stressor for children
is a school that is perceived to be unsafe — where
a child is bullied, harassed or threatened.
In October 2004, the State Board of Education
in Ohio adopted School Climate Guidelines. These guidelines
were reviewed by the Ohio Family and Children First Cabinet
Council and have received national and state feedback. Ohio
has received national recognition for these efforts.
While many of the guidelines deal with the
physical safety of the students, there is significant information
about the emotional health needs as well. Guideline #5 states
that addressing real and perceived threats to safety and
security enables students to focus on learning and teachers
to focus on instruction. This includes crisis management
team development and policies and procedures for dealing
with conflict. Guideline #6 states that a student’s
sense of belonging in the classroom encourages classroom
participation, positive interactions and good study habits.
Also given is an Anti-Harassment and Bullying
Policy, which states that it is the goal of the State Board
of Education, through the School Climate Guidelines and
this policy, to foster a positive school climate. The Ohio
Department of Education offers models and strategies in
the following:
