Conflicting situations may arise in your classrooms. Many times there are reports of students fighting or verbally abusing others. Unfortunately, some of these situations have led to the death of some of your fellow school mates. It is always best to avoid conflicts because once they have started; they are very hard to control. Here are some tips to help you to avoid conflicts with your peers:

• Keep friends who are positive, obedient, obey the school rules, do their school work and respect their parents, siblings, teachers and other classmates

• Be respectful of people’s feelings. Avoid gossiping. Do not slander, bully and tease your school mates

• Avoid conversations that deal with sensitive issues such as your religion/denomination, people’s appearance, economic situation, political beliefs, etc.

• If you are being taunted, teased, or criticized, stay calm, ignore the person or make a joke about it. Do not get upset or else the person may think you are ‘soft’ or sensitive, and continue to provoke you. Remember a soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

• Do not be quick to judge, criticize and belittle your classmates and friends. Remember everyone makes mistakes, including you.

• Offer support to your classmates who need your help. For example you can share your book with your classmate who may have forgotten his at home.

• Obey your school and class rules.

• Avoid loitering on the school compound outside of school hours. If you arrive at school early, read a book or revise your work. Once school has ended for the day, go straight home. If you have to stay behind at school, go to the library and do some work, or participate in an extra-curricular activity.

• When you are at play, play games fairly and be a “good sportsman”. Do not get upset if you lose. You will have other opportunities.

• Remember, do not take weapons to school, or use any item as a weapon should a conflict arises. Walk away from the person who is initiating the conflict and report it to your teacher or Dean of Discipline or someone in authority.

• If a conflict arises which you have not initiated, make sure you inform your teacher or Dean of Discipline or someone in authority immediately.