People who get their television from sources like www.directstartv.com have heard it all over the news: bullying and fighting in the schools. And this is not limited to public institutions as reports of deadly hazing from private institutions are becoming more prevalent.

Believe it or not, there used to be a time where public schools did not require metal detectors at the doors or professional hall security guards, but things change – sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worst. If you work in the school system then you have no doubt heard the term conflict resolution, but what are some of the pros and cons?

Pro – Reduction of violence
In theory, anyways. By teaching students to settle their differences in a non-violent manner you are promoting the reduction of violence in the school.

Con – Non-violence is not always the solution
Let’s face it – some people have an axe to grind and no matter how nice or polite you are to them, they will not be satisfied any other way.

Pro – Prepare children for the adult world
Ideally, mature adults are meant to settle their disputes through non-violent means. It is how our society is presented and you want the children to know that they have other options other than their fists.

Con – On school grounds
If conflicts are not brought to a complete resolution on the school grounds, they could boil and spill over into the neighborhoods and you will not be able to do a thing about it when that happens.

In the end, conflict resolution must be approached with an attitude of enthusiasm but cautious skepticism. It can be the answer, but it might need to be adapted to handle certain situations.