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Understanding school-related gender-based violence

refers to sexual, physical or psychological harm that occurs in and around schools, driven by gender norms, stereotypes and unequal power dynamics. It reflects the different experiences and vulnerabilities of pupils to violence, and violates children's rights. Widespread SRGBV harms pupils’ wellbeing and interferes with efforts to .

Bias- or prejudice-based bullying and cyberbullying is focussed on an individual, based on dimensions of that person’s identity (actual or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status). This is distinct from online hate speech, which is often aimed at groups rather than individuals.

But both are forms of violence, and school-related gender-based violence can also happen online, through social media and digital platforms. This and affects pupils' wellbeing. New tools like artificial intelligence (AI) make it even more complex and highlight the need for safe environments both offline and online.

Making my school free from violence

The need for safe, gender-sensitive learning environments rooted in child protection principles is stressed by several international frameworks such as the . Here are five actions that you can take as a teacher to prevent and manage school gender-based violence in the classroom.

1. Adopt a in your teaching to promote gender equality and respect for human rights Pupils will learn to recognise and understand different needs, experiences and challenges of all genders.
2. Instruct your pupils about the school policy on violent behaviour, zero-tolerance rules and the consequences. It is equally important that everyone knows what steps they need to take if they experience or witness violence. For this, have a look at the materials from the Youth4Love project, like the .
3. Use relevant subject lessons (e.g. sexuality or citizenship education) to discuss gender roles, relationships and power dynamics. Through meaningful discussions encourage pupils to challenge stereotypes and embrace respect and equality. To be prepared, take part in dedicated courses and explore teaching resources, for instance from the menABLE toolbox: tackling gender-based violence that offers practical guidelines for schools.
4. Develop with pupils zero-violence campaigns or initiatives. Having pupils design, plan and implement such activities makes them owners and guardians of the core principles. Examples of such school-level initiatives are the Brave’s Club: Zero Violence from age zero and school committees to tackle conflictive behaviour.
5. Engage families to address gender-based violence and challenge harmful gender norms. When gender inequality and violence persist at home, online or in public life, they often find their way into classrooms. For practical ideas, see the created by the Youth4Love project.