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Sticks, stones, and schoolyard bullies: Restorative justice, mediation and a new approach to conflict resolution in our schools.

Christensen, Leah M.
June 4, 2015

Source: (2008) ExpressO.

One of the most damaging and increasing problems in our schools today is
student teasing and bullying. The research is clear: victims and bystanders of bullying
will experience emotional scars with long-term effects. This Article discusses the failure
of the traditional legal system to prevent bullying and to provide appropriate
compensation for its victims. In addition, the Article introduces a new approach to
conflict resolution in our schools called the Social Inclusion Approach. Based upon
principles of Restorative Justice, the Social Inclusion Approach seeks to change the
climate of the school and give the bystanders the power to say, “Stop.” Finally, this
article discusses a model anti-bullying statute that requires schools to adopt and
implement research-based, whole-school approaches to end bullying. It is only in a
school environment where teasing and bullying are out of place that we can truly get a
handle on this subversive and difficult community problem. (Abstract).

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