When a large number of people are together in a confined space for a long time, conflict can arise. Children spend many hours together in schools, and some schools—elementary through high school—experience fighting among the students. 

In an effort to promote peace in her school, one high school in Texas implemented strict new disciplinary measures to deter students from fighting. Some of the possible punishments for fighting in this school include:
Facing in-school or out-of-school suspension
Being sent to a disciplinary alternative education school
Paying a fine or doing community service
Being sent to see a judge in court for a misdemeanor assault charge

While the severity of the punishment depends on the severity of the fighting, none of these consequences sound fun!

• Why do you think peace in her school is so important that the school’s administration would threaten such punishments? (Answers may include: fighting disrupts the learning environment; teachers are tired of breaking up fights; they want peace for their students; etc.) 
• Do you think this plan for peace by threatening consequences for fighting is a good idea or a bad idea? Why? (Answers may be divided. While the idea looks as if it is working, some students may realize that if students get used to doing the right thing only when they fear punishment, they may eventually risk punishment and continue fighting.) 
• How would you rate your school on a peace scale, one meaning there is a lot of conflict and five meaning there is a lot of peace? Explain the rating you give your school. (Answers will vary.)
• Whose responsibility is it to keep peace in your school? (Answers will vary but may include: principal, teachers, school police, students, everyone.)

 Conflict can arise on a school bus, at a sports game, during after-school club, or in the process of a conversation. Conflict can come up between family members or friends, not only between classmates or enemies. 

• How do you feel inside when you are involved in conflict with others? (Answers may include: angry, sad, depressed, torn, etc.)
• What are some reasons for conflict? (Answers will vary; answers might include different opinions, disagreements, not getting one’s own way, etc.)
• What do you do when conflict arises between you and another person? (Answers will vary.)

Our response to a difficult situation could make the difference between conflict and peace. Isaac faced a situation that could have resulted in a fight. Let’s see if what he did can help us when we are faced with potential conflicts.

Story Source: School implements new steps to help prevent fighting