Global Policy on Ending Violence in Schools

For many children schools are places where they feel valued, cared for and safe. But this is not a reality for all. In many school environments, girls and boys can be exposed to bullying, sexual, emotional and physical violence, such as corporal punishment.1 Globally, it is estimated that 246 million girls and boys experience school related violence every year.2 Without the chance to learn in an environment free from violence, many children will lose the critical opportunities afforded by education and must forfeit the benefits it creates for them, as individuals, and for the society in which they live.

Ending violence in schools means strengthening the capacity of the education and protection sectors to prevent and respond to the risk of school violence, and creating the conditions for success in schools and communities. It also means linking with other sector work such as health, economic development, social welfare, gender and advocacy efforts that can contribute to the creation of safe and nurturing schools. A holistic approach to school related violence requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnering with governments, the private sector, as well as other associated civil society groups and local communities.

Learn more about our global policy by downloading the summary document.