YOUTH AND VIOLENCE AT SCHOOL

Abstract

We pointed out in the text the evolution of the concept of “violence” and analised the sociocultural changes society has been experiencing, as well as the way these changes influence the increase of violence,  specially among teen-agers. The ways violence has been manifested in the school environment have been reported and we have detected that in facing the problem the emphasis is on the correction rather in its prevention. To reverse this situation, it is necessary to turn our attention to the building of school discipline, trying to prevent it rather than just correcting it. For this to happen, schools have to review and redefine their social function and position as the articulators of possible solutions, considering that this issue can not be approached by only one social agent. It is also necessary that violence in school be addressed as an educational problem and the motivations that lead youths to practice violence be analised.