School violence isn’t a rare occurrence anymore. It’s a significant global issue, threatening the safety and well-being of students and staff. 

Because no parent or teacher wants to deal with an unsafe school environment, right?

The rise in such incidents in recent years has highlighted the urgent need for effective solutions. Parents and educators share a common concern:

How can we protect our students while fostering a peaceful educational experience? Let’s find out in this blog post.

Our innovative school safety app aka Wihkum offers a tech-driven approach to handle such cases. So, schools can respond instantly to any violent outbreak. Keep everyone safe and keep track to prevent the situation in the future.

Let’s study the school violence trends in detail.

What is School Violence?

School violence includes any form of physical, verbal, or emotional harm in or around educational institutions. It includes acts ranging from:

  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Physical assaults
  • Severe crimes
  • Weapons-related incidents

School violence not only jeopardises the safety of students and staff. But also undermines the core purpose of education. i.e. providing a safe space for learning and development.

Let’s talk about the different forms it can take.

Forms of School Violence

1. Physical Violence

Physical violence is the most visible form of aggression and includes actions such as:

  • Hitting
  • Punching
  • Kicking
  • Using weapons

These acts result in immediate physical injuries and lasting psychological trauma. Students who experience physical violence develop a fear of attending school. Negatively impacting their academic progress and social interactions.

2. Psychological Violence

Psychological violence is the use of intimidation & manipulation to control or harm others. It includes:

  • Verbal abuse
  • Name-calling
  • Spreading rumours
  • Threatening

The effects of psychological violence are long-term. Leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. That impairs a student’s ability to concentrate & grow academically.

3. Emotional Violence

Emotional violence is subtler but equally damaging. It includes behaviours like:

  • Exclusion
  • Humiliation
  • Consistent criticism

All aimed at undermining a person’s self-esteem. Victims of emotional violence feel isolated and disconnected. It hinders their personal growth, social interaction, and sense of belonging in school.

Trends of School Violence Around the World

Globally, school violence has seen an alarming increase. Reports indicate some serious trends and figures all around the world. Check out these statistics:

  • 1 out of 3 students are bullied in school every month globally.
  • Over 36% of students have a physical fight with their peers every year.
  • 1 out of 3 students are physically attacked at least once a year.
  • 60 million girls are sexually assaulted at or around school every year.
  • 50% of school children aged 6-17 experience corporal punishment worldwide.

How Australian Schools Are Dealing with Violence Trends

Australian schools are also no exception from these growing concerns, unfortunately. Physical aggression, verbal abuse, and online harassment are the most common forms of violence reported in WA schools.

These trends emphasise the need for comprehensive safety measures. Including emergency procedures in schools to mitigate risks and safeguard students and staff. Otherwise, these increasing trends can ruin the psychological state of the new generation.

Effects of Violence on the Learning Process

The repercussions of violence in schools are profound and far-reaching. Students exposed to violence struggle with concentration, motivation, and emotional regulation. All of which are critical for effective learning. Victims can develop:

  • Chronic stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Lower self-esteem
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Poor academic performance
  • Increased absenteeism

Teachers and staff are also affected, as a hostile school environment can lead to:

  • Burnout
  • Job dissatisfaction
  • High turnover rate

Promoting safety in schools is therefore not only vital for student well-being. But also, for maintaining a supportive and effective teaching workforce.

How to Promote Safe Learning in Schools?

The issue of school violence is multifaceted. Stemming from a combination of individual, social, and environmental factors.

Peer pressure, exposure to violence at home, and lack of conflict resolution skills are the root causes of it. Recognising and addressing them can create a safer school environment. The following steps can help in this regard.

1. Education of Children

Teaching students about empathy, respect, and conflict resolution is foundational for reducing violence. Incorporate lessons on emotional intelligence and peer mediation into the curriculum. They can empower students to handle conflicts constructively.

2. Awareness Among Parents

Parents play a critical role in shaping a child’s behaviour. Workshops and awareness campaigns can help parents identify signs of bullying or distress. Enabling them to provide timely support and open discussion channels.

3. Peace Advocacy

Promoting peace through school-wide initiatives fosters a sense of community and mutual respect. Anti-bullying campaigns or cultural exchange programs can help in this regard. As celebrating diversity and value differences can significantly reduce conflicts.

4. Safety Practices in Schools

Implementing clear safety measures at schools enhances preparedness for potential threats. Such as controlled entry points, visitor protocols, and regular emergency drills. Staff members should also be trained in basic safety and crisis response procedures.

5. Surveillance of Students

Discreet surveillance systems can help identify and address issues before they escalate. E.g. including cameras and monitoring tools. However, a balance between safety and privacy should be maintained to avoid a sense of mistrust among students.

6. Strict Policies by Schools

Schools must enforce zero-tolerance policies for violence, bullying, and harassment. Clear consequences for misconduct send a strong message. And teach students the importance of maintaining a safe environment.

7. Monitoring by Law Agencies

Collaborating with local law enforcement and child protection agencies is essential. So, schools can get guidance and support in addressing complex safety challenges. Regular audits and training sessions can further enhance the effectiveness of school safety programs.

How Technology Enhances School Safety?

Technology is revolutionising & enhancing school safety. Because it enables swift and coordinated responses to emergencies.

Apps like Wihkum’s school safe app are designed to provide real-time assistance during critical situations. Its features like geofencing and GPS tracking allow schools to pinpoint incidents and dispatch help quickly.

Customisable help tones and scheduling options ensure the app meets the specific needs of each school, promoting the safety of students and staff effectively.

Final Word

School violence is a growing concern worldwide with its numbers increasing day by day. Addressing and preventing school violence is a collective responsibility that requires innovative strategies.

By educating students, empowering parents, and implementing robust safety rules at school. We can create secure and nurturing learning environments. Embracing technology can further strengthen our ability to respond effectively to threats. So, the well-being of every school community member can be secured.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward a Safer School Environment?

Get Advanced Protection from Violence in Schools with Wihkum

Wihkum is more than a safety app. It’s a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of schools. With features like real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and instant alerts. Our school violence emergency app can handle any emergency situation.

It is easy to set up and use and works with both Android and Apple software. You can also customise its settings to the schedule and policies of your school. It empowers schools to respond effectively to emergencies with confidence and precision.

Download Wihkum on Your Phone

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