It is widely accepted that schools are microcosms of the broader communities in which they are located. For this reason, the social ills prevalent in communities are known to permeate the school environment to various degrees (Burton & Leoschut, 2012:54). Ntuli (2015) stated in her report on violence in schools that South Africa is ranked second in the world when it comes to violent incidents in schools. It is important to note that early onset of violent behaviour is linked with more serious and chronic violence later in life (Hawkins, 2000). We argue that early predictors of risk factors can focus intervention strategies within schools and communities. When considering that one of the most important conditions for optimal child development is the establishment of an enabling environment (SABER Country report, 2012: 2), it becomes imperative to explore the social and emotional experiences of children at schools.

This presentation builds on the drawings and descriptions of 224 South African children between the ages of six and nine years. Children from diverse urban schools were asked to draw pictures of experiences that made them sad. A significant number of children drew pictures depicting physical and verbal bullying, mostly at the hands of other children. A number of children also noted verbal and physical abuse by friends and family. The present study was conducted as part of a larger research project within the field of social sciences. The subject Life Skills is taught within the Foundation Phase Learning Programme in all South African schools and the findings of this study will be used to inform curriculum development to promote safer school- and community environments.

References:

Burton, P. and Leoschut, L. 2012. School violence in South Africa: Results from the 2012 national school violence study. Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention.

Hawkins, J.D., Herrenkohl, T.I., Farrington, D.P., Brewer, D., Catalano, R.F., Harachi, T.W. & Cothern, L. (2000). Predictors of youth violence. Juvenile Justice Bulletin.

Ntuli, N. 2015. SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) seminar on violence at schools.

Saber Country Report. 2012. Systems Approach for better education results – Early Childhood Education: World Bank.