What if Georgia schools taught one skill that could prevent fights, reduce crime, boost graduation rates and strengthen every relationship a student will ever have?  Its not a new app, or a new test, or a new policy its anger management taught with intention, strategy, and heart. By introducing a statewide anger management curriculum for grades 9-12, the Georgia Department of Education can lead the nation in teaching one of the most underrated academic skills: emotional intelligence. 

Adolescents today face immense stress from various sources including academic pressures, personal relationships, being cyberstalked or electronically harassed, being bullied and social media. Unfortunately, these stresses can lead to heightened emotions and, in some cases, destructive behavior.  Anger when unmanaged can result in conflicts at school, damaged relationships, and even legal consequences. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 high school students report being bullied and unmanaged anger can lead to self harm, violence, and crimes.                                                                                                                  

We believe that implementing these classes statewide can give something far more powerful than a diploma: the ability to manage themselves. A truth students rarely hear is anger is not a reflex its a decision.   

We urge the Georgia Department of Education to mandate anger management classes for all 9–12 graders. By doing so, we can cultivate a generation that is better equipped to handle emotional challenges, reduce incidents of violence and bullying, and promote a more harmonious school atmosphere. Please sign this petition to support this essential change for the future of our youth.