As a teacher or a parent, what can I do to end violence?

Violence in schools can have serious long-term consequences on children’s lives, their futures, and the future of the communities where they live.

What to do if a child tells you he/she is experiencing violence?

• First, listen to the child as openly, calmly and quietly as you can. Don't make promises you can't keep.

• Tell the child that you believe them; that you are glad they told you; that it is not their fault; that you will do your best to find help; and that you may not be able to keep this information a secret. In some countries it is the law to report cases of violence against children to the authorities.

• Then, immediately report the disclosure to local child protection services, or another relevant authority.

• Talk openly: Talk to your children about what they think is good and bad behaviour in school, in the community and online. Make sure that they understand the various risks and what to do if something upsets them. It is important to have open communication so that your children will feel comfortable telling you about what is happening in their lives.

• Look closely: Observe children’s emotional state, as some children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort.

• Get involved: Join school meetings or the local Parent/Teacher association or committee to learn more about the school’s policies on safety and to find out how you can help to address local challenges.

• Be prepared: Learn about the resources that exist in your community to address cases of violence in schools and ensure that other parents and adults in your community are also aware.

• Lead by example: Children learn behaviours and mannerisms from the closest adults to them (parents, teachers, caregivers, etc). Reflect on your own behaviour – your reactions and how you discipline your child – and that of the other adults who your child interacts with. Learn about positive discipline techniques.

• Deepen your students’ understanding of violence against children and enable them to take action in and around their schools and communities, nationally and globally with UNICEF’s Safe To Learn activity pack (external link, data charges may apply).

• Prepare yourself: Review how to teach sensitive topics and what actions to take if a child discloses violence using the Teachers’ Guide See page 18 (external link, data charges may apply)

• Promote discussion: Use creativity and multimedia to initiate discussion and provide space for children to develop their own ideas to address violence against children. Use our Connect Smart content to engage students in discussions about online safety. You can access Connect Smart on Internet of Good Things by clicking here

• Nurture attitudes that reject violence and promote non-violent conflict resolution:

With help from students, set norms for behaviour in your classroom.

Learn and teach conflict resolution and anger management skills. Help your students practice applying them in everyday life.

• Lead by example: Use positive discipline techniques to manage your classroom.

• Raise awareness: Make sure that children are aware of the school’s policies and that they know what to do if they experience violence. Share details of telephone hotlines or social protection centres if these are available. You can find a full list of the Child helpline number by clicking here (external link, data charges may apply)

• Involve parents: Regularly invite parents to talk with you about their children's progress and any concerns they have. Send home notes celebrating children's achievements.

• Help create a safe school: Offer to serve on a team or committee to develop and implement a plan to make your school safe, including how teachers should respond in emergencies.