Ending All Forms Of Violence Against Children In Schools

Schools are the places where children gain knowledge and skills as well as learn attitudes and behaviour that can shape their relationship with the community.

- S. M. Rayhanul Islam

Children’s experiences in educational settings have lasting impact on their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Safe and protected learning environments are thus essential for ensuring a healthy future for children of all ages. Without it they are unable to focus on learning the skills needed for a successful education and future. When violence is part of the educational setting, all students are affected in some way. Even though a child may not be the actual victim of violence in school, there is a very good chance that he or she will witness violent acts throughout the educational years. Research continues to illustrate children who feel unsafe at school perform worse academically and are more at risk for getting involved in drugs and delinquency. The UNICEF publication entitled “Violence against Children in Education Settings in South Asia: A Desk Review” indicates that many children in South Asia are exposed to different forms of violence and threats in schools and other educational settings. This desk study examines the causes and consequences, scale, nature and manifestations of violence against children in education settings in South Asia, as well as reviews regional and country-specific policy and programme responses.