Safe schools
Positive Discipline Spaces of learning should be free of violence, where children can learn and play safely, secure in the knowledge that they are protected from being hurt, humiliated, threatened and mistreated. However, patterns of violence are often entrenched in school culture, sometimes as a matter of policy supported and promoted by certain theories about childhood development and learning. Amongst others these include corporal punishment and other cruel and humiliating forms of treatment to tame an “unruly” or disobedient student or as a reprimand for academic mistakes. Sadly, when children are caned or shamed in school, they take back with them lessons that sanctify violence. UNICEF is working with HELP University College Psychology Department and the Ministry of Education to introduce non-violent and positive discipline forms into classrooms. The pilot program which will be tested in selected primary and secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur and Perak will train some 30 teachers, benefiting 1,300 students. Tackling School Bullying By being victims, perpetrators and witnesses of violence, children learn that violence is an acceptable way for the strong and aggressive to get what they want from the comparatively weak, passive or peaceful. To effectively combat bullying and violent behaviour among students, UNICEF is working in partnership with the HELP University College Psychology Department and the Ministry of Education to enhance the overall capacity of schools to efficiently cope with disciplinary behaviour amongst students. In 2006, an estimated 2,200 students aged 13 and 14 years old as well as 250 teaching staff, non teaching staff and parents from three secondary schools will participate in the pilot project. Once completed, the test project will be mainstreamed into the current Government framework on bully prevention in schools.
Violence Against Children in Schools - Publications Fact Sheets - Bullying Newsline 6 October 2009: 4 October 2009: 12 October 2008: 8 October 2008: 10 July 2007: 9 July 2007: 3 July 2007: 8 March 2007: 9 October 2006: |
