SP: two thirds see medium or high violence in schools – 03/29/2023 – Education

The fear of violence is a reality for the majority of the school community in the state network of São Paulo, according to a survey of students, family members and teachers released this Wednesday (28).

For more than two thirds of respondents, there is a medium to high level of violence in schools —a rate that is higher among families (75%). Insecurity around the units is a problem for 24% of teachers and 41% of students, and it grows in the peripheries —31% and 54%, respectively.

The survey was carried out by the Locomotiva Institute and Apeoesp (Union of Official Teaching Teachers of the State of São Paulo). 1,100 teachers, 1,250 family members of students and 1,250 students aged at least 14 from São Paulo between January 30th and February 21st of this year were consulted.

The data reflect a concern with episodes such as the attack last Monday (27), at the state school Thomazia Montoro, in the west zone of São Paulo. A 13-year-old student killed teacher Elisabeth Tenreiro and injured three other teachers and two students.

The perception of violence also has significant differences between the areas where the schools are located. Students who see medium to high violence in the center are 42% and, in the peripheries, 68%. Among teachers, this difference is more pronounced, with 26% and 86%, respectively. Regarding families, 61% have this perception of violence in the center. In the peripheries, this group grows to 76%.

The teachers’ union that lacks a broad policy to prevent violence in schools. “The consequences are felt in the growth in the number of cases”, says state deputy Maria Izabel Noronha, Professor Bebel (PT), president of the association.

While 73% of family members and 71% of students say they know of a case of violence that occurred in the last year, only 41% of teachers reported to the survey. According to Instituto Locomotiva, one hypothesis is the embarrassment of professionals to point out problems in the workplace.

“A broad movement by society as a whole is needed to build a culture of peace. We need human and technological investment to prevent and confront violence, starting with schools in the periphery”, says Renato Meirelles, president of the institute.

The priority for the periphery can be explained by the greater number of reports of violence suffered by students in these regions. In the center of the cities, 26% reported bullying, against 39% in the periphery.

Verbal aggression was reported by 20% of students at the center, and by 28% outside it. Discrimination and physical aggression doubled, from 9% to 18% and from 8% to 16%, respectively. Sexual violence ranges from 5% in the center to 9% in peripheral regions.