School Safety Research Articles

Using the WHO-INTEGRATE framework to develop a COVID-19 guideline for schools, Germany.

At the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reliable, globally applicable recommendations for safe and continuous school operations were lacking. In October 2020, the German Association of Scientific Medical Societies' task force for COVID-19 guidelines and public health researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München initiated the rapid development of a living evidence- and consensus-based guideline to reduce severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission in schools. To facilitate transparent, structured and comprehensive decision-making with a whole-of-society perspective, they applied the WHO-INTEGRATE evidence-to-decision framework. This framework supported a broad, multisectoral composition of the guideline panel. The panel used newly synthesized evidence on nine school measures. Participating medical societies or the guideline secretariat completed evidence-to-decision tables. They also drafted recommendations for the guideline panel, who discussed and revised them during moderated consensus conferences. In Germany, each state is responsible for organizing schooling. The German Association of Scientific Medical Societies coordinates development of evidence- and consensus-based guidelines. The first version of the guideline was published in February 2021, and the guideline dissemination created much media attention. Of the 16 state education ministries, almost all knew about the guideline, nine recognized it as a relevant source of information and five used it to check existing directives. The WHO-INTEGRATE framework facilitated a comprehensive assessment of school measures from the start of guideline development, considering the broad societal impact of the measures. Using the framework in rapid mode was feasible, but it fell short of its potential.

Towards a Safe School Climate": the Knowledge and Attitudes of Teachers towards Bullying and Bullying Prevention

Bullying is an escalating worldwide problem that can manifest in any educational institution. Bullying can be defined as a repetitive and deliberate act of causing harm within a personal relationship characterized by an unequal distribution of power. The study aims to assess Arabic teachers' perspectives on bullying and their comprehension of its diverse manifestations and consequences. The research was carried out in Hail City, specifically in primary schools, with the participation of 51 Arabic teachers. Using questionnaires to measure attitude and knowledge along with demographic information, the researcher determined 5 main hypotheses assuming that attitude and knowledge of bullying will be correlated, teachers' experience will affect their knowledge and attitude, gender will affect attitude and finally, teachers' attitude is significantly predicted by teacher's knowledge, experience, and educational level. The current study examined the relationship between understanding bullying and attitudes towards it. Moreover, the study unveiled that female educators demonstrate more positive attitudes towards bullying. Furthermore, there is a notable correlation between the level of experience among teachers and the positivity of their attitudes, indicating that greater experience is associated with more favorable attitudes. No discernible influence was detected for any other variables on either the level of awareness regarding bullying or the attitude toward it. The viewpoints of educators toward bullying and their degree of comprehension have a substantial influence on the welfare of both individuals who engage in bullying and those who are targeted by it. To rectify misunderstandings regarding bullying and foster a more thorough comprehension inside educational institutions in Saudi Arabia, it is crucial to execute multiple interventions.

The role of school safety perceptions in childhood asthma diagnosis disparities.

Childhood racial and ethnic asthma disparities in the United States are the consequence of structural inequities such as those in socioeconomic status (SES) and exposure to violence, but little research has explored the role of the school environment in perpetuating racial and ethnic disparities. This study examines associations between perceptions of unsafe school environments (USEs) and subsequent asthma diagnosis for elementary-aged children and the extent to which USE mediates relations from SES and race/ethnicity to asthma diagnosis for Black, Latinx, and non-Latinx White children. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the association between USE and subsequent asthma diagnosis, controlling for child sex, and indirect effects of SES and race/ethnicity on asthma diagnosis via USE. For 6,532 children, USE in second grade positively predicted new asthma diagnoses in third grade and mediated the association between SES and new asthma diagnosis. SES and USE serially mediated the relationship between race/ethnicity and asthma diagnosis. Identifying as non-Latinx White was associated with a lower likelihood of subsequent asthma diagnosis via higher SES and lower USE while identifying as Black or Latinx was associated with a higher likelihood of subsequent asthma diagnosis via lower SES and higher USE. USE was associated with pediatric asthma diagnosis and mediated the relationship between SES and asthma diagnosis as well as race/ethnicity and asthma diagnosis. Findings highlight the need to consider USE as a social determinant of health for pediatric asthma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Анализ доступной школьной формы для детей с особенностями развития

This article examines the importance of designing and developing adaptive clothing for girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Creating comfortable, safe, and functional school uniforms for such children is an increasingly relevant issue, as standard clothing models often fail to meet their unique needs. The study highlights the significance of adapting clothing elements—such as materials, fastenings, and construction—to reduce sensory discomfort, heightened tactile sensitivity, and challenges with independent dressing. Key attention is given to principles of inclusivity and ergonomics, ensuring freedom of movement and comfort. The article analyzes factors affecting fabric and design choices that contribute to improving the quality of life for children with ASD. The findings of this study can assist designers and manufacturers in creating inclusive clothing that fosters children’s social adaptation and independence in self-care.

Investigating Factors that Predict Japanese Science Teachers’ Job Satisfaction: Evidence from TIMSS 2019

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019 data revealed that Grade 8 science teachers in several Asian countries (Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and South Korea) reported lower job satisfaction levels than the international average. For example, while Japanese Grade 8 students ranked among the highest in science achievement on the TIMSS 2019, their science teachers reported the lowest job satisfaction composite scale score compared to the other 63 participating countries. Using teacher questionnaire data from TIMSS 2019, we utilized correlation analysis and multiple linear regression to uncover the answers to this research question: Which factors contribute to Japanese Grade 8 science teachers’ job satisfaction? The results from the analysis indicate that working in a safe and orderly school environment was the strongest predictor of Japanese Grade 8 science teacher job satisfaction. The number of working hours, amount of perceived pressure exerted by their students’ parents, participation in professional development focused on science curriculum, and adopting a constructivist orientation to science teaching were the other significant factors that predicted job satisfaction. Findings from this study have implications for Japanese educational policy stakeholders, school administrators, mentor teachers, science department leadership, and those invested in science teachers’ professional development.

Inclusive Education for Children with Developmental Disabilities in Ethiopia: Stakeholder Views on Benefits, Disadvantages and Priorities for Action.

Children with developmental disabilities (DD) including intellectual disability and autism, experience exclusion from social life and education in Ethiopia. Including children with DD in mainstream inclusive classes has potential to expand access to education and uphold their right to learn alongside typically developing peers. However, inadequate support in inclusive settings can hinder their participation and educational achievement. This study explores the perspectives of stakeholders on the ways in which inclusive education can support the needs or exacerbate the challenges of children with DD in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and on recommendations to address the challenges. Thirty-nine participants with expertise or experience relevant to children with DD, including caregivers, educators, clinicians and other experts, took part in semi-structured interviews. Their responses were analysed using thematic template analysis. The themes developed identify four aspects which are most relevant to the potential positive and negative consequences of inclusive education for children with DD: learning and development, peer relationships, safety in school and inclusion in society. The themes encompass sub-themes of positive and negative consequences, and suggested improvements to facilitate positive effects. Identified priorities for action include enhanced teacher training, awareness-raising initiatives, tailoring infrastructure and manpower to safeguard children with DD and promoting government focus on successful inclusion. These recommendations can be implemented to facilitate well-structured inclusive education, where children with DD are supported to participate alongside typically developing peers, as well as to safeguard against the potential negative consequences of inclusion, paying sufficient attention to the distinctive needs of children with DD.

Guardians of health: School nurses and their leadership roles in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in education<sup></sup>

This study investigated school health nurses’ critical role and importance in managing infectious diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has had negative impacts on schools and educational institutions. In light of these impacts, the assistance of school health nurses in overcoming difficulties in accessing health services for students and their families was examined globally. The study aimed to explore the status of school nursing practices in various countries in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, assess the situation in Turkey, and examine how these nurses contribute to health management in educational settings. To identify pertinent literature, relevant publications were reviewed using key terms such as ‘school nursing,’ ‘infectious disease management,’ ‘COVID-19,’ ‘safe school,’ and ‘public health’. The search focused on studies analysing the role of school health nurses during the pandemic. Sources included academic databases, public health reports, and public health organisation publications. Due to the lack of precise data on the employment of school health nurses in Turkey, specific information on their role during the pandemic could not be found. However, the relevant literature was comprehensively reviewed, and the study analysed global publications highlighting the critical role of school nurses in managing infectious diseases in educational settings. The study highlights that school health nurses play significant roles in preventing and controlling communicable diseases and contribute notably to health education for students and staff during the pandemic. School health nurses protect children and adolescents’ physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Findings suggest that structural changes in health and education systems are needed to enhance the effectiveness of school nurses. This study underscores the critical importance of school health nurses in pandemic management and public health protection. Strengthening their role is vital for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in schools and ensuring the well-being of students. Recommendations include increasing the employment of school health nurses, improving their professional development, and integrating their expertise into pandemic management strategies.

Counseling on Prevention of Sexual Violence and Bullying at State Elementary School 100 Barru

Sexual violence is an act involving sexual coercion or harassment against someone without their consent. Bullying is aggressive behavior that is carried out repeatedly by one individual or a group of individuals with the aim of hurting, degrading, or intimidating the victim. Sexual violence and bullying often occur in school environments. Children and adolescents are vulnerable to being victims or perpetrators of these acts. However, due to the taboo nature of this issue, many cases go unreported so existing statistics may not reflect the true numbers. Sexual violence and bullying in schools have serious impacts on victims, including psychological trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, decreased academic performance, and even a high risk of suicide. An unsafe school environment can also affect the entire student population, hindering their learning and social development. Some factors that contribute to sexual violence and bullying in schools include institutional indifference to reporting and action, lack of awareness and adequate education, power imbalances, detrimental social norms, and negative media influences. Preventing sexual violence and bullying in schools requires collaboration between students, teachers, parents, school staff, and the community. This shared responsibility is essential to protecting children and adolescents from physical and psychological harm. With proper education, social support, and proactive action, we can create safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments for all individuals.

O BULLYING NO ENSINO MÉDIO E SUA RELAÇÃO COM O CLIMA ESCOLAR

The prevalence and consequences of school bullying have been widely reported in the literature. Likewise, it has been shown that this is multi-cause violence and, therefore, different aspects need to be considered for its prevention and containment, including the positive school climate. In this context, the present study proposes to investigate the phenomenon of bullying in high school and its association with the school climate and its dimensions (student-student relationships, teacher/student relationships, school safety, respect for diversity, clarity of expectations, and fairness of rules). The participants were 388 students from two public institutions in the northwest of Paraná state, who answered a questionnaire about the school climate and another about bullying victimization in 2019. This study is descriptive and relational. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The results predominantly indicated a positive school climate in the institutions, although we have founded evidence of bullying victimization. Regression analysis identified a significant relationship between the dimensions of the school climate, especially "student-student relationships" and "clarity of expectations," and the occurrence of bullying. Thus, we underscored the significance of fostering a positive school climate to cultivate healthy, violence-free relationships, nurture empathy among peers, and ensure clarity in institutional norms.

Pengabdian Masyarakat Berbasis Moderasi Beragama: Upaya Pencegahan Perundungan di SMP Negeri 1 Wonotunggal

The socialization program "Stop Bullying: Stop the Hate and Let's Spread the Love" is part of the Real Work Lecture (KKN) activities carried out at SMP Negeri 1 Wonotunggal, Wonotunggal Village, Wonotunggal District, Batang Regency. This program aims to increase students' awareness of the dangers of bullying and promote a harmonious friendship environment without violence. Through lecture methods, discussions and interactive activities such as positive affirmation and express yourself sessions, students are encouraged to understand the impact of bullying and how to prevent it. The implementation of the values of religious moderation in this program emphasizes the importance of respecting differences, rejecting violence, and building solidarity among students. The results of this program show active participation from students and support from the school in efforts to prevent bullying, with the hope of creating a safe and comfortable school environment for all students.

School-Based Protective Factors for HIV Prevention in the United States: Secondary Analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2015-2019.

This secondary analysis of the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (years 2015-2019) examines associations between school-based protective factors (i.e., safe school environments and academic achievement) and HIV risk behaviors among sexually experienced adolescent gay and bisexual men ( n = 644), a population with the highest prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infections. Demographics included Hispanics/Latinos (25%, n = 158), Other race/ethnicity (14%, n = 88), and non-Hispanic Blacks/African Americans (13%, n = 81). Adjusted models showed that protective factors reduced odds for early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, sex under the influence of drugs/alcohol, and condomless sex, with an additive effect demonstrated when two protective factors were present. Hispanics/Latinos had greater odds of reporting multiple sexual partners and HIV testing, indicating opportunities for school-based HIV prevention and further research. Our findings provide support for school-based programs that aim to improve social and structural determinants of health and ultimately reduce adolescent HIV burdens.

Measuring Perceptions of School Lockdown Drills: Development and Validation of the Lockdown Impact Scale for Caregivers (LIS-C)

Understanding the extent to which caregivers perceive active shooter lockdown drills in K–12 schools as physically and emotionally safe for their children is pertinent, yet little empirical evidence exists. Negative parental perceptions of drills can lead to decreased student participation and compliance and amplify public concerns associated with school safety. This article introduces the Lockdown Impact Scale for Caregivers (LIS-C), a novel instrument developed to assess caregiver perceptions of K–12 school lockdown drills. Utilizing a national sample of 999 caregivers, this study validates the LIS-C through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, revealing a three-dimensional construct that includes perceived impact, school safety, and expressed concern. The development and validation of the LIS-C provide school-based mental health professionals with a psychometrically sound tool to address caregiver concerns, paving the way for a more informed and intentional implementation of lockdown drills. This research underscores the pertinence of examining caregiver perceptions to foster a safer and more supportive school environment.

Enhancing school safety through psychological support: Key findings and strategies

A crucial aspect of creating a safe and supportive learning environment is the integration of psychological support to reduce school violence. Research highlights that school violence impacts not only students' physical safety but also their mental health and emotional development. Effective psychological support can play a pivotal role in preventing and mitigating violent behaviors by addressing underlying emotional difficulties and unresolved trauma. Key strategies include implementing early interventions through school psychologists and counselors, who offer individual and group counseling to help students manage conflicts and intense emotions constructively. Additionally, psychological support programs can improve the school climate through workshops on emotional intelligence, stress management, and social skills, fostering empathy and reducing conflicts. Integrating psychological services with other school resources, such as emotional education programs and violence prevention strategies, is essential. Collaboration among school psychologists, teachers, parents, and administrators ensures a holistic approach to violence prevention, considering all aspects of students' school lives. The research demonstrates that peer social support significantly mediates the relationship between school victimization and psychological health. Social support acts as a buffer, mitigating the negative effects of violence, and is crucial for students of all genders and ethnicities. Furthermore, family support is identified as a vital moderator, enhancing adolescent mental health despite exposure to violence. Psychological intervention strategies, such as establishing psychological warning systems and prevention mechanisms, are essential in proactively addressing violence. Schools should focus on creating a protective environment and integrating psychological strategies into broader prevention efforts. Continuous mental health education and a safe space for students to express concerns can significantly reduce violent behaviors and support a positive educational atmosphere.

The Impediments in Implementing Inclusive Education in Two Special Schools in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Impediments and Recommendations

Background: The implementation of successful inclusive education our special schools is still a challenge as there are numerous impediments that hinders such implementation.  Objectives: To explore impediments in the implementation of inclusive education in two special schools in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.  Method: To archive stipulated objectives, a qualitative research approach was employed. The population of the study was made up of two special schools in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. Data was collected using semi- structured interviewed. Data was collected through interviews that were collected from learners who are identified with learning barriers and request for placement in special schools. The data was gathered from the participants and analysed in thematic manner.  Results: The study revealed that there are numerous impediments that hinders the implementation of inclusive education, inter alia, safety and security in schools, lack of parental involvement, learner’s drug abuse, shortage of therapists, teacher’s qualification, overage learners and shortage of special schools. The study also outlined factors curbing the implementation of inclusive education.  Conclusion: The study concluded that indeed the stipulated impediments hinders the successful implementation inclusive education.  Contribution: The suggested strategies will enhance the successful implementation of inclusive education in schools.

School Perceptions and Attendance for Children With Medical Complexity During COVID-19 Over Time.

Disparities in school attendance exist for children with medical complexity (CMC) due to COVID-19. Longitudinal changes in family-reported school safety perceptions and predictors of full-time, in-person school attendance are unknown. This was a prospective, longitudinal cohort study with 3 survey waves (June 2021-June 2022) among English- and Spanish-speaking families of CMC aged 5 to 17 years and pre-pandemic school attendance. Changes in Health Belief Model perceptions and full-time in-person school attendance were estimated using multivariate generalized linear modeling with repeated measures. Among 1601 respondents (52.9% of 3073 invited), 86.8% participated in all 3 surveys. School safety perceptions improved with time; however, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 increased. Full-time in-person school attendance rose from 48.4% to 90.0% from wave 1 to 3 (p < .0001), and was associated with motivation, benefits, and cues. For example, families with low compared to high motivation for in-person attendance had 76% versus 98% predicted probability for child's school attendance, respectively at wave 3 (p < .0001). Probability of full-time in-person school attendance was associated with several health belief model perceptions. School health policy and programs may benefit from promoting family motivation, benefits, and cues during future respiratory illness epidemics including COVID-19. In-person school attendance improved for CMC over time. Opportunities exist to continue optimizing in-person attendance and family-perceived safety for CMC at school.

The Role Of Character Education In Forming Ethical And Responsible Students

Character education refers to an approach to learning that aims to help students develop moral and ethical values, such as honesty, responsibility and empathy. The integration of these values in the curriculum and school activities along with the active support of teachers, families and communities are the main efforts for character education to build individuals who are highly ethical and responsible in every aspect of their lives. In this study, the literature research method was used. From the results, it is evident that teachers who have undergone specialised training in character education play an important role as living examples of these values. In addition, a safe and supportive school environment greatly contributes to the ethical formation of students. Another opinion states that the active participation of parents and the community also strengthens the implementation of moral values in schools through their daily behaviour. This finding proves the synergy relationship between the collaborative participation of the main institutions, namely school, family and the wider community, can empower students with strong character, have good morals and be perfectly responsible.

The Positive School Safety Program (PSSP) for School Officers: Implementation Processes and Outcomes.

Approximately 50% of U.S. students attend a school with a school officer. The Positive School Safety Program (PSSP) is a 16-session, manualized peer-to-peer coaching program that teaches school officers positive approaches to behavioral management (e.g., trauma-informed reinforcement strategies) to enhance interactions with students, improve school climate, and reduce school-based arrests. A convergent, mixed methods longitudinal design was used to investigate the implementation process and outcomes of the PSSP among school safety officer coaches in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) who were trained in the 2020-2021 school year. Via surveys, officer coaches (n = 25) provided quantitative data at three time points regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in utilizing positive approaches to behavioral management and trauma-informed skills, as well as their mindset toward coaching. These data were analyzed using mixed effects modeling. Perceptions of program acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were assessed post-training and analyzed descriptively. Qualitative interviews, informed by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, were conducted with coaches and untrained school officers and were analyzed via thematic analysis. Significant changes over the course of training were detected in coaches' knowledge, confidence, and their willingness to use the skills, which aligned with coaches' qualitative self-reports. Coaches agreed that the PSSP was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. School districts interested in improving school climate and reducing school-based arrests by using the PSSP, or similar peer-to-peer coaching programs, should consider how they will target identified determinants to support successful implementation in their unique contexts.

Cyberbullying: Risk Factors for Victimization in Rural Schools and the Influence of School Climate.

This study evaluated the prevalence rates and risk factors for cyberbullying victimization and perpetration among 7th-12th grade students (n = 3,396) enrolled in 22 public school districts across Southern Illinois. Risk factors included victimization by traditional bullying, gender identity, cell phone use, and social media usage. We also examined perceptions of school climate and safety. We observed that traditional bullying victimization, gender identity, and social media usage predicted cyberbullying victimization. Similarly, perceptions of school climate and safety were significantly and positively correlated with cyberbullying victimization. In turn, perceptions of school climate and safety predicted cyberbullying perpetration. Rurality was a factor uniquely related to perpetration. Specifically, students from non-rural schools reported higher levels of cyberbullying perpetration than did students from rural schools. Our results underscore the need for intervention and prevention programs to focus on all forms of bullying and parental monitoring of social media accounts.

Considering Race in Teacher Well-Being

Despite evidence that teachers’ professional experiences are racialized, few studies have quantitatively examined possible racial disparities in teachers’ job satisfaction. Using data from a nationally representative survey of teachers in the United States, we find that Black teachers report significantly lower job satisfaction than their White colleagues. Moreover, we find that teacher perceptions of school safety are the primary predictor of this gap in job satisfaction. We argue that centralizing race and racialized experiences in consideration of teacher job satisfaction will open new sites of inquiry in educational research and can guide educational policy to promote equity in K–12 schools.

Pendidikan Sosial “Anti Bullying” di SDN Gondek Jombang oleh Peserta KKN-T UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur

Bullying has long been a part of school life and is an issue that has a negative impact on children's growth and development. This research aims to increase awareness about bullying through outreach carried out at SD Negeri Gondek, Jombang, East Java. This socialization was carried out in the context of the Thematic Real Work Lecture (KKN-T) program to provide education to class IV and V students about the dangers of bullying and the importance of creating a safe school environment. The results of the socialization show that students' understanding of bullying has increased significantly, whereas previously most students were not aware of the impact of this action. This program was successful in changing students' perceptions and encouraging their active participation in preventing bullying at school. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between schools, teachers, parents and students in ongoing efforts to create inclusive and safe environments. Regular evaluation and further development of supporting programs is highly recommended to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of this program.