More "medicines" are needed to completely cure school violence

School violence is not a new phenomenon. Although many solutions have been proposed and many seminars have been organized, in reality, over time, the prevalence and severity of school violence is at risk of increasing, openly challenging public opinion, like a disease that has become resistant to medicine. Perhaps, it is time to have stronger medicine to cure this "disease" from the root.

The person filming the clip was innocent, the bystanders were also innocent in the face of the hooliganism happening before their eyes, no one stopped it, even cheered and encouraged enthusiastically. That extreme indifference not only caused physical harm to the victim but also caused extremely serious mental consequences.

Recently, in early September 2022, an 8th grade female student in Ha Tinh province was attacked and stripped by 3 other female students. Despite the victim's repeated pleas for mercy, the group of female students did not stop. Many people who witnessed the incident even innocently recorded the video and posted it on social media. Right on the meaningful opening day of the 2022-2023 school year, an 8th grade male student in Phu Tho province had a conflict with a friend and was dragged out of school by the friend's parents and beaten.

This student was slapped repeatedly in the face in front of many people, including the person filming the clip. Most recently, a ninth grader in Thuong Tin district (Hanoi) was beaten by a classmate to the point of being hospitalized with an initial diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. The cause of the conflict was simply an exchange of words during recess.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Education and Training, in one school year, nearly 1,600 cases of students fighting in and out of school occurred nationwide. Most of the student fights stem from petty conflicts in class, in life, badmouthing each other on social networks or from being incited, incited, or enticed by friends... Many victims of school violence fall into a state of loneliness, unable to find protection, drop out of school, or fall into a downward spiral. Many students suffer from depression, psychological trauma, and live in constant fear...

Whenever there are consecutive and repeated cases of student fights, documents from the authorities appear to strengthen the correction; at the same time, conferences are held to find solutions. However, after that, everything calms down and school violence continues to occur, challenging public opinion.

From an educational perspective, the role of schools for students cannot be denied. Every day, students spend most of their time at school, and are greatly influenced by the educational environment and the teachings of teachers. However, it seems that teaching at school mainly focuses on teaching knowledge according to the textbook program. Social knowledge, life skills, behavior, and communication are still mentioned by teachers, but at a modest level.

There are also many teachers who are aware of the importance of training students in morality and consciousness but do not receive cooperation from parents. The phrase “everything depends on the teacher” partly reflects the thinking of parents when they leave the education and training of their children to teachers and schools. It is the lack of attention and connection between family, school, society and the selfishness and indulgence of children that have contributed to creating a “living ground” for school violence.

Faced with the above situation, a revolution in changing the ratio between book knowledge and practical knowledge is really necessary. That is to reduce theoretical subjects that lack practicality, instead focusing on fostering more ethics, positive lifestyle, life skills, and building a friendly learning environment. Schools and families need to equip students with the awareness to protect themselves and those around them, and resolutely say no to school violence.

Both sides also need to coordinate closely to grasp the situation as well as the psychology of students in the fastest and most accurate way; from there, apply appropriate and effective measures. Many parents believe that, for cases where students have an indifferent, defiant attitude, deliberately violate many times, there needs to be stronger measures to help them wake up and be self-aware of their actions.

It is time for the whole society, schools, families, and parents to be more aware of the importance of a child's development and personality formation. Schools and families need to become trustworthy places where children are willing to share and trust; from there, care for and adjust children's behavior, help them stay away from deviations, and move towards good things in society. Thus, school violence can be prevented thoroughly and from the root.

According to VNA