Fighting On Campus

When it comes to fighting on campus, some teenagers only do it to defend themselves. Others can pick the fight for no reason. Most physical altercations can be prevented if the students are willing to talk to each other about that issue.

Fighting can lead to suspension or expulsion. It can also harm students physically, leading to blackened eyes, broken noses, and bruises. Victims can also press charges legally, which could lead to fines, restraining orders, or imprisonment. Students who get into fights also might be prevented from getting their driver’s license or attending school events like prom.

Getting into fights can also lead to increased class distractions, lower grades, and loss of extra-curricular privileges. Students who get into fights will also automatically be put back into distance learning for the remainder of the school year.

However, fighting is not always wrong, according to the counselor Ms. Becaria. “Each person has the right to defend themselves,” she says. “If you have tried to walk away from a situation and someone becomes physically violent towards you, I feel that you have the right to defend yourself with physical means when necessary,” she continued.

She also gave students some tips on how to avoid the fight before it even happens. “In an effort to prevent physical fighting, I feel that students can practice skills of positive communication,” she says. “Asking clarifying questions like, ‘What did you say?’ and ‘What did you mean by that?’ can be helpful.”

“For students who are being pressured to fightb I would advise them to remind themselves of the possible consequences,” says Becaria. “The people encouraging them to fight will not be sharing in these same consequences.”

Students today can be especially likely to get into fights, but that doesn’t make sense to freshman Jayda Holley. “What are you even doing that for?” she asks. “It is a waste of time.”

If you ever feel like someone is urging you to fight or to do anything that you are not comfortable doing, it is best to talk to your school counselor. You can start now by clicking here.