Trauma-Informed Consequences

As noted earlier in this primer, it is essential to comply with school and board policies regarding acceptable student behaviour and discipline procedures. There are many instances where existing laws/policies dictate disciplinary actions that are outside a teacher’s discretion and that more appropriately belong to an administrator. You will want to take care not to pursue actions that run counter to these policies.

Moreover, as employees, we should always consult with our union regarding safety thresholds and making sure that we know the processes we need to follow if we experience violence from students or others. In such situations, we again strongly recommend that you contact your union immediately for support and for guidance on your right to refuse unsafe work.

The above notwithstanding, one approach that can be used to emphasize prevention and to de-escalate aggression is progressive discipline. It is possible to identify and use consequences that foster learning, as opposed to punishment that inflicts pain for those who engage in aggressive behaviour, as illustrated in the following guidelines:

• Make an effort not to exclude the student who has done the harm from school activities like recess, special trips and activities.
• Shape behaviour by helping students recognize the impact of their actions on themselves and their community (talking circles, restorative practices).
• Build students’ capacity to manage strong emotions and to self-regulate (e.g. naming and expressing emotions; finding non-aggressive outlets for nervous energy).
• Make a plan with the student who has caused harm on how they will repair the situation, let them review and assess as many options as possible, make a choice for a first step and then follow up in an ongoing supportive way, not “one and done.”
• Understand that behaviour change is slow and incremental for everyone, and allow for additional chances for repair.

While this section has focused on approaches to progressive discipline with the student who has behaved violently, it is equally important to meet with any student who was the target or a witness of such violence. We refer you to OTF’s Professional Learning Module addressing bullying prevention and associated Resources on the Safe@School website, for more information about approaches to intervention with students who are targeted by violence or bullying.

School-based violence is an issue of workplace safety.