Couch Chat: Students Offered $100 Each For Not Fighting

A Principal at a poor elementary school in Philly is trying to stop the violence by paying them not to fight. SHe’s promising each student a $100 if the entire 8th grade makes it through the year, without a single fight. The principal is looking for a sponsor but will pay the $3,300 on her own, if she can’t find one.

So far, she says it’s working.

Researchers say rewarding kids like this creates a ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude. Rochester University says when you pay kids for something, whether it’s for good grades or not fighting, they slowly lose motivation.

Does this send the wrong message to kids?