HOW TO PREVENT CONFLICTS IN BASIC SCHOOLS IN GHANA

School Children find themselves in precarious situations that often lead to escalated conflict with their peers. Conflicts arise in the classroom, library, school bus, playground, and any place where kids gather.

During adolescence into the developing stages of puberty, many children act out their emotions in the form of teasing, gossip, and physical aggression. If left unchecked, these same behavioral patterns will transfer over into the teenage years, where stiffer competition exists among peer groups.

The inability to resolve conflict without resorting violence is symptomatic of youth’s inability to handle confrontation. Teaching youth how to resolve conflict in a peaceful way can help reduce incidents of violence.

Conflict is a normal part of life. We all have occasional conflicts, even with people we love. But we shouldn't let little conflicts turn into big fights, especially violent ones.

Pupil - Pupil conflict
This happens when pupils beat up, bully, insult, abuse, ridicule and subject other students to emotional and psychological trauma, thereby causing pupils to be timid, sad, and lacking concentration in school. This can have an adverse effect on student’s confidence and performance in school. Teachers and administrators must be alert, take note of these conflicts and build respect and love among pupils.

Pupil - Teacher conflict
This conflict can be as a result of teacher’s high handed approach in dealing with difficult pupils. This is characterized by excessive punishment, shaming, aggressive verbal abuse, bullying, expressed anger etc on the part of the teacher toward pupil. If not checked this can lead to emotional breakdown, low self esteem and lots of pupil's interest in schooling.

Some teachers also exhibit negative attitudes such as showing little or no interest in the extracurricular activities of pupils, not asking students questions during teaching or not allowing pupils to ask questions or make contributions. Teachers may not also be in the habit of giving regular exercises or homework to pupils and timely marking them when pupils turn in school work.  Such attitudes are turning students away from schools and killing children's interest in learning.

Let me share with you in this article some rules for keeping conflicts from getting out of control.

• Tell the other person what's bothering you - but do it nicely.
• Don't let your emotions take control.
• Listen to the other person.
• Try to understand how the other person is feeling.
• No name-calling or insults.
• No hitting.
• Don't yell or raise your voice.
• Look for a compromise.