2.3.

Effects of school violence on teenagers:

School violence is a pervasive and distressing issue that transcends geographic, cultural, and
socioeconomic boundaries, profoundly impacting the lives of children and their overall
development and well-being. The significance of school violence in teenager's development lies
in its potential to disrupt their holistic well-being across various domains: physical health,
psychological well-being, social relationships, academic performance.
2.3.1. Physical health:
School violence exacts a heavy toll on the physical health of teenagers, undermining their well-
being and compromising their ability to thrive in educational environments. The bruises and
scars left behind by physical altercations are but tangible manifestations of a deeper wound
inflicted upon their bodies and minds. For teenagers subjected to violence at school, the impact
on physical health extends far beyond the immediate injuries sustained during altercations. The
stress response triggered by exposure to violence sets off a cascade of physiological reactions,
disrupting the delicate balance of their bodies and leaving lasting imprints on their health.
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Education and Training in 2015, there are
nearly 1,600 cases of students from 11-18 years old fighting inside and outside the school each
year. According to a survey conducted by the Youth Violence Prevention Organization on 4,073
students of 64 schools in Hanoi, including elementary, middle and high schools, 22% of students
responded that themselves were victims of violence, while 16% of these students answered that
they had to endure deadly pain.
2.3.2. Psychological well-being
Exposure to violence can have profound psychological effects on children, including anxiety,
depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health challenges.
Witnessing or experiencing violence undermines their sense of security and may lead to long-
lasting emotional scars. Research by the Institute of Social-Medical Research conducted from
March to September 2014 with 3,000 students from 30 schools in Hanoi showed that injuries due
to mental violence accounted for the highest rate of 73% %(scolding, threatening, bullying...).
The second highest data is injuries due to physical violence accounting for 41% and finally
sexual violence accounting for 19%( Hoai Thu, 2015).
2.3.3. Social relationships
School violence erodes trust and mutual respect among peers, teachers, and school staff,
undermining the formation of positive social relationships. Children may experience social
isolation, exclusion, and stigmatization, hindering their social development and sense of
belonging within the school community.
2.3.4. Academic performance
The disruptive effects of school violence extend to children's academic functioning, impeding
their ability to concentrate, engage in learning activities, and achieve their educational potential.
Fear of violence may lead to increased absenteeism, truancy, and academic disengagement,
jeopardizing their academic progress and future opportunities.