Let’s decide how to measure school violence

Abstract

Violence in schools and other education settings causes serious harm to children and adolescents that can last into adulthood. As the UN World Report on Violence against Children observed, it is a global phenomenon. Policies, laws and strategies to prevent school-related violence depend on accurate knowledge of its global prevalence, trends and effects, but such evidence is lacking. This paper surveys current methods of assessing school-related violence and sets out options for improving the global evidence base. School-related violent acts or threats comprise psychological, physical and sexual violence. They occur not only on school premises but also on the way to school, at home or in cyberspace. They are enforced by unequal power dynamics and are often the result of gender norms and stereotypes.