HOBART | An expert on conflict resolution among teens and preteens gave youth workers in Northwest Indiana some pointers on how to deal with angry children, reduce fighting and prevent bullying Thursday.

Educational consultant Naomi Drew, of New Jersey, who has 25 years of experience in the field and has written six books, spoke to more than 40 school counselors, juvenile workers, therapists, social workers and foster care officials during a workshop at Avalon Manor in Hobart.

Drew stressed the importance of reaching beyond the behavior. She said it takes time for young people to become angry and takes even more time for the behavior to improve. She said all young people need to know that someone believes in them and has hope for their future.

"What hurts kids is when we stop believing in them," she said. "When we look at their deficiencies rather than their assets, it feeds into a sense of shame."

Young people who have a sense of shame tend to act out and become bullies, she said.

Drew suggests that people who work with "angry" children must make it a practice to emphasize the positive.

"Write a note to them about their assets," she said.

Drew urged workers to help students set goals, then focus on the positive things, such as staying in school and staying out of trouble.

Michelle Bruss, a Crown Point High School counselor, and Lynicia Gransberry, who is a therapist at an alternative program in Gary, said they both learned new techniques to deal with angry students.

Bruss said she wanted to get a better idea of how to deal with conflicts at the high school. Gransberry said she hoped to be able to help students "resolve conflicts and use positive coping skills."