The definition describes it as violent acts that disrupt learning and have a negative effect on students, schools, and the broader community.
The United Kingdom has experienced a surge in school-based violence over the past few years. In addition to dealing with the pressures of teaching for the teacher and learning for the learner, both must also be concerned about issues of personal physical safety. One of the alarming things is that this phenomenon is escalating despite measures being put in place by the Department of Education and schools themselves. School based violence significantly undermines the climate and environment necessary for effective learning. Even though there are signs of increases of school violence, schools are still viewed as safe and secure environments where children can learn, enjoy themselves, and feel protected.
School based violence is characterised by any forms of physical and verbal aggressions on a pupil or teacher whilst they are under the supervision of the designated school. There are different forms of violence that both teachers and pupils could be subjected to. These range from bullying, vandalism to discrimination to mention a few. School based violence can have significant negative consequences on the learners. Some research has shown that learners subjected to SBV struggle with attention and concentration, they show poor academic performance, they tend to present with school refusal and may even struggle with psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety. One of the most frightening and worrying aspects of this phenomenon is that the forms of violence experienced in the school setting are perpetrated by the inhabitants of the setting. Both teachers and pupils are in most cases responsible for the acts of violence experienced. This can make it feel incredibly difficult to feel safe when the sources of the violence are internal to the school setting.
It is not yet clear as to why schools have begun to experience this surge in violence.
For some learners schools are attended under very difficult circumstances. You may be experiencing a lot of challenges such as not having enough money for food and clothing.
You may be experiencing some form of bullying yourself. All of this may make you feel sad and even angry.
You are not alone in your challenges. There are ways of dealing with the uncomfortable emotions you may be experiencing that won’t put your life and that of others at risk. First, talk to your parents or carer. If you are at school, talk to a teacher that you can share your burden with. These individuals may be able to help you in your time of difficulty. The responsibility is not only with you alone.
Our schools are continually making the environments safer not just from outside influences during the school day but also by providing suitable contact people that pupils can talk to in times of distress. Schools also share information with teachers and pupils about resources that are available to access when the need arises.
Remember you are together in this school setting for about 8 hours of your day so cherish the space and those that share this space with you as much as you cherish your own life.
School based violence significantly undermines the climate and environment necessary for effective learning.
