Teenagers can be aggressive, moody, argumentative and quick in action. This may give rise to many types of conflict; it can be a conflict between two students or with teachers or parents. Whatever is the case, it is necessary for teachers and parents to monitor them so that they don’t get into any conflict and also teach them how to control their aggression as well as anger. Even if they get into a situation, there should be appropriate ways to resolve them.
A high school student must have an idea as to what causes conflict. If they know about the cause, they can try to avoid it. Mainly these conflicts are caused between students belonging to different backgrounds as they are not able to understand each other.
There are ways teachers can restrict these conflicts. They are:
1. Conducting small interactive group discussions
One of the best ways to resolve these conflicts is in small interactive groups. It allows them to uncover prejudice and biases allowing them to trust and understand each other. It is an excellent way for setting up an exchange of views among students of different backgrounds. This activity helps in building trust, developing relationships and considering their own and the identity of others. Students will recognize the reason of conflicts, find ideas to resolve these conflicts and learn strategies to resolve conflicts and assess the result of conflict resolution.
At the initial level, students are confused about sharing their ideas, but as the activity progresses they start sharing their views and ideas. It gives a positive result and attitude to all participating students.
2. Make rules for class and school area
First inform all the students that there should not be any name calling or insults among students. They should interact positively and politely with each other. Teach your students that even if they disagree about something, it can be done peacefully (here the trick of counting to 10 can help).
3. Use model of T.A.C.T. (Teens and Conflict Together)
It is basically a program that will teach teenagers about how to solve problems themselves and will help them to learn self-awareness. In this program a student can analyze stories of conflict and apply them to their own lives. They will learn by self realization, through this program.
4. Teach student about peaceful negotiating and debating techniques
Make students know that all issues can be resolved by mutual interaction and discussions. Teach them the fact that violence never helps instead it can make the conflict grow more.
5. Three e-guides to help teens deal with conflict
It is always helpful to have resources and additional information available for students to use when learning to address conflict. These guides are easy to download. The brochure can be placed in a student’s binder for the student to refer to. Cyber-bullying is the latest and newest form of conflict in the school and society.
The guides are: A Teen’s Guide to Resolving Conflict, Brochure for Teens in an Argument, and Bullying and Cyber-bullying. Find out more about ordering e-guides HERE.
