School violence workshop helps identify risks

from KGET.com

A school violence expert says it’s a myth to think that the school violence is only headline-grabbing homicide. The reality is that deaths resulting from school violence are rare. Assaults and intimidation are much more likely to occur on campus.

That’s according to Dr. Kris Mohandi, who came to Bakersfield Tuesday to speak with educators and law enforcement officials with the the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Mohandie is a police psychologist and studies people who commit violent acts at school.

When asked about school fights posted on the internet, Mohandi said one of the reasons kids stage fights and post them is that they are seeking some sort of fame.

“There’s this idea among many of our youth that the more people that can see you doing whatever it is, even bad behavior, the more notoriety you get. Obviously, it gets the greater status that you might earn,” said Mohandie.

Mohandi said violent videos might be part of what encourages people to take things to the next level, but there are many signs to look out for. Many of them are obvious. “It’s making threats, talking about getting a gun, talking about wanting to hurt themselves or hurt other people,” he explained.

Mohandie also said they may talk about their fantasies about harming people in a general sense or specifically.

The Kern High School District’s Chief of Police said his department deals with threats on a daily basis and they take every case seriously. “They include student on student. We deal sometimes when students aren’t happy with teachers. They may not be happy with instructional aid. We also have workplace issues,” said Chief Steve Alvidrez

Some students we spoke to at East Bakersfield High School told us they see it. “I think it’s wrong to pick on somebody because they’re smaller than you, but if you have to protect yourself, then i think you should,” said Robert Chacon.

Tyrone Tayloy said if you walk away, you will get hurt. “What’s the point in trying to walk away if someone keep fighting you?” he said.

Mohandi said approximately 15 percent of educators say they have been threatened on campus and approximately 7 percent have actually been attacked.

Those who do commit the acts have one thing in common. “A profound sense of hopelessness, an inability to deal with life problems and a sense that somehow violence is going to be an acceptable solution,” Mohandi said.

He said most of the offenders he’s studied regret what they’ve done and wish they had been stopped.