Serial killers are among the worst kinds of criminals that ever existed. They embody the epitome of evil and violence, causing massive fear and anxiety in their wake. As such, content on serial killers is not appropriate for all students, especially younger ones.
However, teaching students about famous serial killers might be relevant when done correctly, especially for high school and college students studying criminology or forensic psychology. Some of the reasons include:
Understanding Criminal Behavior – Investigating serial killers brings insight into the criminal mind, why they commit the act, and how they carry it out. This knowledge can serve as the foundation of future studies.
Examining Evidence – Serial killers leave plenty of evidence, and studying it could help students understand how investigators link
crimes, gather evidence and solve cases.
Crime Prevention – Studying the history and behavior of serial killers may help people learn how to identify potential predators, making future crimes preventable.
It is crucial that when teaching students about famous serial killers, teachers must keep the lessons professional, objective and not focus on the gruesome aspects of the crime. They can explain the motive, methods, arresting (or not), and prosecution process. This way, students can learn from the insight without glorifying the criminal deeds of the killer.
Also, if teachers will delve into the topic of serial killers in class, it is essential to have conversations about mental health and encourage students to seek help when needed. Many of the famous serial killers indeed had underlying mental health problems, which is a vital detail to understand.
In conclusion, teaching students about famous serial killers undoubtedly presents an opportunity for valuable learning. Still, it requires a sensitive and responsible approach to not instill fear in students and to focus on the necessary knowledge that can be beneficial to their careers. It is also essential to emphasize the need for good mental health, and encourage students to seek help if needed.
