A new study conducted by the Social Planbureau Groningen and Trendbureau Drenthe has painted a concerning picture of the experiences of young people in schools across the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe. The study, involving over 850 participants aged 12-18, found that a significant number of young people feel unsafe and disrespected at school, and are often targets of bullying and discrimination.
A quarter (25%) of respondents reported feeling unsafe at school, with 21% specifically fearing bullying. This feeling of insecurity was more prevalent among students in vocational education (vmbo) and practical education (praktijkonderwijs).
Although feeling unsafe, 63% of respondents indicated that they typically receive respect from their peers. However, this positive attitude did not extend to their views of teachers, as only 64% felt that teachers listen to their worries. To bridge this trust deficit, schools must foster a nurturing and secure atmosphere where students feel at ease reporting incidents and approaching staff for assistance.
The silent struggle: Why students don’t report and how schools can help
The study found that discrimination is a prevalent issue, with over half of the respondents (52%) witnessing it in school settings and nearly six in ten (59%) encountering it online. This discrimination often targeted students based on their educational background, as highlighted by a practical education teacher who observed frequent derogatory remarks directed towards students based on their chosen academic path.
Despite this concerning trend, over half (54%) of the participants reported not discussing their experiences of discrimination. This silence often stemmed from a desire to resolve issues independently or a fear of being labeled as a “snitch.” To combat this, researchers recommend that schools openly address bullying and discrimination in a non-threatening manner. This could involve inviting experts to lead discussions and provide valuable insights and perspectives for both students and staff.
Bullying was also found to be a common occurrence, with a staggering 86% of respondents witnessing at least one incident within the past three months.
Encouragingly, one in six participants expressed a desire to make an official report if they experienced discrimination. However, a significant gap exists, with 61% unaware of the appropriate reporting channels. To address this, schools need to establish robust reporting mechanisms that are aligned with local anti-discrimination initiatives. These systems should be easily accessible and cater to the specific needs and preferences of young people. Additionally, schools should expand their support systems beyond the traditional role of mentors by providing multiple approachable figures, such as anti-bullying coordinators, coaches, or trusted adults, to whom students can turn for support and guidance.
Building a safer school culture: Recommendations from the research team
To address bullying and discrimination in schools, the research team proposes a comprehensive strategy. This involves establishing robust reporting systems that align with local anti-discrimination efforts, tailored to the needs of young people.
Moreover, creating a safe and supportive school environment is essential. This entails building strong staff-student relationships and fostering a welcoming atmosphere where students can report incidents without fear.
Schools should also broaden their support networks beyond traditional mentors. By offering multiple avenues for guidance, such as anti-bullying coordinators or trusted adults, students can receive diverse support.
Effective communication is crucial. Schools can openly discuss bullying and discrimination, normalizing these conversations and involving experts for valuable insights.
Lastly, schools must raise awareness of available anti-discrimination resources for young people, ensuring accessibility and protecting anonymity.
The researchers emphasize the urgent need for schools to take proactive measures to address the issues of bullying and discrimination, creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all young people.