Increase in Girls' Violence Counters Stereotype

No doubt you've heard students discussing a media or school incident involving female fighting. Educators, hearing this chatter, may be wondering: Are teen girls actually getting more violent?

The Governor’s Prevention Partnership, a non-profit group whose aim is to keep youth safe, successful and drug-free, identified this growing trend in 2004, noting that girls’ involvement in delinquent and criminal activities, as well as physical fighting in schools, was on the rise nationally. The general crime rate for adolescent girls has increased at a higher rate than for any other segment of the population. Females are now more likely than in past years to be arrested for assault, drug trafficking and gang activity, all of which have historically been dominated by young males.

These statistics have put educators in a unique position, often forcing them to take steps to curb female violence using tools that were developed for boys. The problem is that boys and girls are vastly different with respect to the reasons they act out violently and the ways in which they respond to discipline.

To prevent girls’ involvement in aggression and violence, The Governor’s Prevention Partnership recommends that educators provide gender-specific programming for girls that meets their unique needs and builds on their unique strengths. Gender-specific prevention programming does notmean simply separating boys and girls into different groups, nor does it mean bringing girls together for such gender-stereotypical topics as beauty tips or handcrafts. Gender-specific prevention programming for girls is based on understanding their development, fostering positive gender identity, building relationships and preventing relational aggression.

Another question concerns the type of disciplinary consequence that is appropriate for girls. Some argue that in the spirit of equality, consequences for misbehavior should be consistent across gender lines. Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School in Powhatan, VA maintains the same consequence for the infraction, regardless of gender.

“We don't have many fights, but the policy is both participants are suspended,” said Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Athletic Director Brice Fritts. “Based on severity, it may be in-school or out-of-school suspension.”

Looking beyond short-term fixes, The Governor’s Prevention Partnership suggests that teachers and administrators examine how they can create a long-term environment that will help steer girls away from violence.

The organization encourages everyone who interacts with girls to explore how they may be influenced by pervading cultural messages and to consider whether adult behaviors inadvertently reinforce cultural stereotypes. This examination can help educators promote authentic relationships, provide more competent services and serve as positive role models for girls.

Schools should use a comprehensive, culturally competent approach so that effective programs, practices and policies can be developed and implemented.

 

Article by Jason Tomaszewski, EducationWorld Associate Editor
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