Can Technology Curb Aggressive Behavior at School?

Study says "Yes" - and It Can Improve Academic Performance In The Process

SAN FRANCISCO - January 9, 2001 - In a pilot study involving three groups of 7th and 8th graders from a New York City public school, researchers from Columbia and New York Universities confirmed today that an innovative Social Learning computer program from San Francisco-based Ripple Effects, Inc., dramatically reduces aggressive behavior and improves educational outcomes.

Authors Robin Stern, Ph.D., of Columbia University, and Ted Repa, Ph.D., from New York University, studied three groups of students from a New York City public school over a 12-week period. One experimental group used the computer program as a stand-alone intervention; the other had the additional intervention of teacher-facilitated role-plays and discussion; a control group received neither.

The findings from the study showed a 32 percent drop in anti-social behavior and a 77 percent increase in positive behavior in students using the Ripple Effects software program, Ripple Effects for Teens, several times a week during their free time. The study also showed a 62 percent decrease in the number of remedial summer school disciplinary referrals versus the control group of students not using the program.

"We've known for a long time that social-emotional learning is critical to success in school," says Stern, the study's co-author. "This study shows that one technology program can be an effective learning tool to reduce aggressive, anti-social behavior which can, in turn, promote learning and better academic performance."

"It's both hopeful and a little frightening to think that a computer program could teach kindness to kids" says Ripple Effects CEO, Alice Ray, a nationally recognized expert in social learning and violence prevention who designed the software. "But technology is a powerful tool. It can work for or against us. This study suggests that the right computer technology can have a massive, positive impact on school climate and academic performance."

Several similar studies are underway in educational settings around the United States. Results will be available later in the year.

To find out more visit the Ripple Effects web site at www.rippleeffects.com.
Or call Ripple Effects toll free at (888) 259-6618.

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