Schools in Daraa. How can the culture of non-violence be promoted?

Schools in Daraa. How can the culture of non-violence be promoted?

Um Dimah – Naseeb

The educational institution in the province of Daraa has received a significant share of the violence that has spread widely in recent times. The war, chaos resulting from it, and the proliferation of weapons and drugs have led to the prevalence and exacerbation of school violence.

School violence is defined as any aggressive behavior within the school that can cause psychological, physical, or material harm, or damage to property and facilities, as well as verbal attacks, insults, bullying, and other unethical behaviors.

Causes of school violence include economic hardships, leading to feelings of frustration, injustice, marginalization, and a lack of respect, which manifest in aggressive behaviors. The family plays a significant role as the nucleus of society and the primary source of education. Any dysfunction in the family negatively affects its members, and this negative energy is discharged in school, where the individual spends most of their day. Additionally, the absence of equality in the treatment of students at school contributes to a sense of oppression and injustice.

The child’s psychological state, which may manifest in violent behavior, is another factor. Many parents may not recognize aggressive behaviors in their children or consider them a problem requiring medical consultation, especially if the child’s environment views violence as a sign of masculinity.

Forms of school violence include violence from teachers against students, using physical punishment or threats, discriminating in treatment, and not accepting those with differing opinions. Violence among students themselves may involve threats, direct physical assault, verbal abuse, the use of offensive language, humiliation, and bullying.

An unusual form of violence is students being violent towards their teachers, either through physical assault, damaging personal property, or making threats. Unfortunately, this type of violence has become widespread, with documented incidents of attacks on teachers in Daraa.

Promoting a culture of non-violence in schools requires significant efforts starting from the Ministry of Education and ending with the students. As activists, we must strive to spread the culture of non-violence, emphasizing patience and wisdom, diversifying methods, and exploring all avenues that lead to a solution.

Schools are a crucial part of individuals’ lives, and families are the foundation of society. Therefore, promoting awareness in society cannot be achieved without addressing schools. This involves educating children about their rights through the school curriculum, creating a school library with a weekly reading session, including books and magazines on non-violence culture.

Teacher training is essential, introducing them to the concept of non-violence and its importance in society. All complaints from students should be taken seriously, and a list of expected behaviors inside the classroom should be established. Encouraging positive behavior, using supportive methods, and providing rewards for non-violent students are crucial steps.

Parents need to address the issue of their children experiencing school violence seriously. They should talk to their children calmly, positively, and without blaming them to create an environment where the child feels comfortable expressing themselves. Continuous communication between the school and parents is essential to monitor the behavior of students, solve problems if they arise, and control aggressive behavior using well-thought-out rewards and punishments.