NASUWT’s Gangs and Schools Report

The NASUWT published the interim findings of their Gangs and Schools Report today, which suggest that gangs are not a widespread problem in schools, but schools need significant help to tackle the problem head on where it exists. It’s only the interim findings, the full report is out in September, but it makes some interesting points.

Firstly, it is heartening to see the NASUWT painting a responsible, realistic picture of the problem, acknowledging it without blowing it out of proportion or scaremongering, and offering positive and sensible recommendations.

The findings show that gang related activities can stem from truancy, and are linked to poor interfaith and interracial relations. They also acknowledge that bullying is inextricably linked with both of these issues, and it’s not too big a leap to see that prevention work around bullying will therefore have a significant effect in tackling the problem of gangs in schools as well.

At Beatbullying the Charity I work for, we’ve been acutely aware of the links between bullying, violent behaviour, and gang culture for a long time. Bullying often operates with a pack mentality, with young people forming groups both to target others and to protect themselves. This can be seen as a precursor to gang behaviour, with young people searching for an identity and common ground, to ingratiate themselves with others, and for protection. As tensions increase, violent behaviour is not uncommon. Interestingly, however, many young people state that they carry weapons more as a self defence mechanism than as an offensive weapon. The fear element here is something that needs further attention I think – young people aren’t out to commit violent behaviour, but they fear attack themselves. Perhaps the biggest challenge here must be promoting levels of knowledge and tolerance, rather than hatred and fear, between young people.

Most interestingly and laudably, the NASUWT strongly advocates the use of peer mentoring schemes, working directly with young people involved, to change behaviour, re-educate, and prevent further involvement in undesirable activities.

For years NGO’s such as Beatbullying, Childline and The Mentoring and Befriending Network has been lobbying the Government to introduce peer mentoring programmes in all schools across the UK, to tackle bullying and other inappropriate behaviour.  Peer to Peer mentoring works, when embedded in our schools, bullying is reduced by up to 40% (Beatbullying 2007). TMBN report similar results. Scaled up Government committing to supporting these schemes will mean that thousands and thousands of violent and inappropriate behaviours from our young people will not happen.

The NASUWT findings are simply a further indication that we need these schemes in all schools now. All schools need peer mentoring programmes, and with Government spending on education at an all time high, it’s time that funding was given to peer mentoring schemes so that every young person has access to it, and we can effectively tackle these issues that concern young people and families the most.

>Emma-Jane Cross