Knowledge Regarding Violence among High School Children in Selected School of Ernakulam District

https://doi.org/10.46610/RRMETN.2025.v07i03.005

Abstract

Introduction: Violence among school children is a critical global health concern that severely impacts the emotional, psychological, and academic development of students. The World Health Organization defines violence as the intentional use of force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or a group, which can result in injury, death, psychological harm, or deprivation. In school settings, violence often takes the form of bullying, verbal abuse, physical aggression, emotional manipulation, and increasingly, cyber harassment. Globally, millions of students experience violence, leading to long-term consequences such as mental health disorders, school dropout, and social withdrawal. In India, studies indicate that a large proportion of students have witnessed or been subjected to violence within the school environment. Although legislation such as the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice Act exist to safeguard children, awareness among students remains alarmingly low. Addressing this gap is essential for fostering safer school communities. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge regarding violence among high school children in a selected school in Ernakulam district.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive quantitative research design was adopted. Using convenience sampling, 100 high school students from St. Augustine’s High School, Ernakulam, were selected. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire and a structured knowledge questionnaire. Validity was ensured through expert review, and reliability was confirmed via the test-retest method (r = 0.74). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The results indicate that only a small proportion (20%) of students possess good to excellent knowledge about violence, suggesting limited awareness among high school children. The largest proportion (50%) demonstrated only average knowledge, which shows that while they may have some awareness, their understanding is not comprehensive. Worryingly, 30% of students (poor + very poor knowledge) lack adequate knowledge about violence, putting them at risk of being unable to recognize, prevent, or respond to violent situations effectively.

Discussion: The present study revealed that the majority of students possessed only average knowledge regarding violence, with a considerable proportion showing poor or very poor understanding. Only a small fraction demonstrated good to excellent knowledge, indicating a significant gap in awareness among high school children. This is a matter of concern, as inadequate knowledge may limit their ability to identify violent behaviors, seek timely support, or understand protective mechanisms available to them. The findings resonate with earlier studies conducted in Kerala and other parts of India, where normalized aggression, inadequate awareness of preventive measures, and limited understanding of legal safeguards such as the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice Act were reported. The predominance of average and poor knowledge levels in the current study reinforces the fact that even in urban educational settings, where access to information is comparatively better, awareness about violence remains insufficient. This underscores the urgent need for structured, school-based educational interventions tailored to adolescents. Incorporating age-appropriate modules that cover the types, causes, consequences, and legal implications of violence could help bridge this knowledge gap. Such interventions are essential not only for enhancing students’ understanding but also for fostering a safe and respectful school environment, where students are empowered to recognize violence and act appropriately.