Facing and

Overcoming Violence
in Schools: A Critical
Perspective
In order to comprehensively address the issue of violence in schools, it is
vital to adopt the historical and dialectical materialist approach. The
educational work carried out by teachers plays a crucial role in facing and
overcoming such violence.
The Complex Nature of School
Violence
Social Origins
Violence in schools is a
widespread phenomenon that
stems from the alienating and
alienated relationships within
capitalist society. It manifests in
various forms and affects
individuals across different
social classes and professions.
Social Groups
Violence in schools affects
diverse social groups, including
students of all age groups and
adults from various social
backgrounds. Understanding the
contextual challenges and
behaviors of students is vital to
analyze the multidimensional
nature of violence.
Shared Responsibility
Addressing school violence
should not focus solely on
blaming individuals. Rather, it
requires a comprehensive
understanding of the social
context and the difficulties
faced by students. Superficial
interpretations can lead to
misinterpretations of this
complex phenomenon.
The Educator's Role: Overcoming
Violence
Critical Reflection
Based on research
conducted by GEIPEEthc in
public schools of Presidente
Prudente, São Paulo, as well
as studies by other authors,
this section critically
reflects on school violence,
identifying its
characteristics and
emphasizing the educator's
role in facing and
overcoming it.
Human Thought
and Violence
According to Davidov,
violent behavior emerges
when human thought
deviates from generality and
leans towards more
instinctive forms of
expression and problem-
solving. Such thinking is
deeply rooted in the
capitalist social
relationships.
Challenging
Empirical
Interpretations
Common perceptions and
empirical knowledge often
form the basis for
understanding students in
schools. However, it is
important to move beyond
superficial interpretations
and develop a coherent
analysis that considers the
individual's historical and
social totality.
The Nature of School
Violence
1 A State of Brutality

School violence encompasses physical and psychological abuse,

exposing individuals to oppression, intimidation, fear, and terror.
Students become victims of this oppressive and controlling
environment perpetuated by capitalist social systems.

2 Dual Forms of Harm

Violence, in both material and symbolic forms, inflicts damage upon

individuals, compromising their social relationships and subjectivity.
Within schools, violence disrupts social connections and disrupts
the personal development of individuals. It is a multi-determinant
social phenomenon.
Understanding and Confronting
School Violence
Prevention and
Intervention
Alongside understanding, preventive
measures and targeted interventions
play a crucial role in addressing school
violence. Building supportive and
inclusive learning environments can
minimize its occurrence.
1 Identification and Analysis
Efforts to combat school violence begin
with identifying and analyzing its
2 underlying causes and manifestations.
This step involves understanding social
contexts and developmental
challenges.
3 Collaborative Approach
Tackling school violence requires
collaboration among educators,
administrators, families, and the wider
community. By working together, we can
create a collective response and
develop sustainable solutions.
Impacts of School Violence
Psychological
Consequences
Violence within schools can
have far-reaching effects on the
mental health and well-being of
students. It damages their sense
of security and self-esteem,
hindering their ability to learn
and thrive.
Community Building
Addressing school violence
necessitates fostering a sense of
community and social
connection. By creating safe and
inclusive spaces, we can
empower students and promote
resilience in the face of
violence.
Teacher-Student
Relationship
The relationship between
teachers and students plays a
vital role in addressing and
overcoming violence. Building
trusting and supportive
connections can help mitigate
the impact of violence in the
learning environment.
Overcoming Violence: A
Transformative Approach
Social
Transformation
To truly overcome school
violence, it is essential to
engage in ongoing
processes of social
transformation. This involves
challenging oppressive
systems and creating
equitable educational
opportunities.
Education for
Liberation
Education must serve as a
liberating force that
empowers students and
fosters critical
consciousness. By nurturing
a culture of respect,
empathy, and inclusion, we
can actively work towards a
violence-free educational
environment.
Collective
Responsibility
Addressing school violence
requires a collective sense
of responsibility and active
participation from all
stakeholders, including
educators, students, families,
and policymakers. Only
through collective efforts
can lasting change be
achieved.
Conclusion: Building Safe
and Empowering Learning
Spaces
As we conclude this exploration of school violence, it becomes evident
that a multidimensional approach is necessary to create safe and
empowering learning spaces. By acknowledging the root causes and
working collaboratively, we can foster environments that nurture the
holistic development of students.