Preventing violence and teaching peace: A review of promising and effective antiviolence, conflict-resolution, and peace programs for elementary school children

As the prevalence and severity of youth violence have risen, so have progra ms aimed at preventing such violence. We review 30 programs categorized as antiviolence, conflict-resolution, or peace programs, based on goals, targe t skills, and theoretical constructs. Through empirical evaluations, we des ignate programs as either promising or effective. After considering the uni que aspects of each program, we outline five criteria to guide selection of the best violence-prevention programs for addressing theoretical foundatio ns, comprehensive skills, diverse populations, teacher training, and childr en's self-worth.