Violence that occurs in schools is a serious concern in the educational environment. This phenomenon was captured by a team from Universitas Brawijaya who then held training on prevention and learning on anti-violence and bullying for teachers and staff at SMP NU Hasyim Asy’ari Malang City.
Lecturer in Communication Studies at Universitas Brawijaya, Arif Budi Prasetya S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom said violence in schools can disrupt the teaching and learning process, create an unsafe environment, and have a negative impact on the physical and emotional well-being of students and school staff.
“That’s why efforts to prevent violence in schools are important to create a harmonious and positive learning environment,” he said, Friday (28/7/2023).
According to Arif, there are four types of violence that usually occur in schools, namely physical violence, verbal violence, psychological violence and cyber violence. There are psychological and academic repercussions if this continues.
“Stress and anxiety can arise, fear and sleep disturbances, to depression and feelings of isolation,” he said.
“While the academic impact can lead to decreased concentration and motivation to study to a decrease in academic achievement,” added Arif.
This UB Master of Communication Science alumni explained that there are internal and external factors that make school violence happen.
“Internal factors such as emotional and mental problems, aggressive behavior and lack of problem solving skills. While external factors such as the influence of an unhealthy family environment, exposure to violent media and the influence of a school environment that is not conducive,” he said.
To the teachers, Arif gave six strategies to prevent violence in schools. The first is through education and awareness. Second, learning programs about violence and its consequences. Third, the anti-violence campaign in schools.
“The fourth is monitoring and reporting. Then it can also increase supervision in the school environment and finally encourage students and staff to report acts of violence, “he said.
One of the innovations proposed by Arif for SMP NU Hasyim Asy’ari to prevent violence in schools is setting up a “bully box”. This can be done like a suggestion box so that victims of violence who report it can make a report at any time in the bully box.
“In addition, schools can hold regular meetings with parents of students and form an anti-violence team at school,” he said.
In this community service activity, Arif reminded the important role of teachers and students in preventing acts of violence in schools.
“Students must of course behave politely and respect others. Then help friends who experience violence or become victims of violence and of course report acts of violence to teachers or school staff,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, for the role of the teacher, said Arif, he can take several actions such as creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, adopting a fair and consistent approach in dealing with conflict, involving students in violence prevention programs.
“Violence in schools is a serious problem, but it can be overcome through the joint efforts of students, teachers, school staff and the community,” he concluded.
This anti-violence and bullying prevention and learning training activity was attended by dozens of teachers and staff of SMP NU Hasyim Asy’ari Malang City (FISIP PR/Oky/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
