Bullying and physical violence are common problems faced by children, especially teenagers. According to statistics, one out of four kids are victims of bullying. However, there are many methods to fight this scourge.
Bullying is a behavior that involves a person or group of people repeatedly attempting to intimidate or frighten an easy target. Bullies are more likely to use physical actions to intimidate their victims. These actions can have a serious impact on a victim’s psychological and physical health. Those who have been the victims of bullying may also exhibit high levels of aggression.
While bullying is a problem that affects all students, it can be particularly harmful to those who are perceived to be different. This includes students who have learning differences or a disability. In addition, the effects of bullying can extend to adults. Students who are bullied may suffer from poor academic performance, anxiety and depression, as well as substance abuse. Moreover, bullying can lead to psychiatric disorders and increased chances of adult intimate partner violence.
Bullying and physical violence in schools affects the general climate of the school. It is important for a school to provide the right kind of support for the bully and the victim, and to help resolve any incidents in a timely manner. Providing counseling to anyone affected is also essential.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) classifies violence in schools into three categories: social, psychological, and physical. While all types of violence are detrimental to children, a strong classroom community can help reduce bullying, promote self-awareness and self-control, and foster healing among victims.
A national strategy to create school peace can include a number of tactics. One of these is the SiseVe platform, which was created by the Peruvian Ministry of Education. Through this platform, violent incidents can be monitored and reported.
A case report is a process in which a victim of bullying or violence is identified. He or she is asked to provide a personal account of the incident. Afterwards, the person is given an identification code and a list of institutions to contact. During the reporting process, the person is also prompted to answer a few questions. Some of these questions pertain to the type of violence, the victim’s gender, the age and ethnic background of the victim, and the demographic characteristics of the perpetrator.
Similarly, effective child-sensitive reporting is also crucial. For this, the reports should include appropriate language and child-friendly content. Therefore, it is important for all involved parties to be aware of the potential implications of their statements.
The prevalence of bullying and physical violence in schools is widespread worldwide. Several countries have managed to significantly reduce the number of cases. Sweden, for example, has implemented interventions early. And in the United States, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Mental Health support research and prevention programs.
However, the effectiveness of national responses depends on the quality of data and monitoring. For this reason, effective reporting must include a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of existing programs. Ultimately, a national response must be comprehensive and restorative.