The study “Safe School for Children” was presented in Lviv. The aim of the study was to identify what influences children’s sense of safety in educational institutions and to find out whether children, parents and teachers understand what safety at school is in the same way.
The UCU Center for Child Dignity, together with the Fama research agency, with the support of the Education Department of the Lviv City Council, conducted the study “Safe School for Children” (2024). It involved 800 parents and 2000 students, as well as teachers from 34 schools in the Lviv community.
The results of the study showed the difference between children’s and adults’ understanding of safety, the factors that influence it, and what should be considered in order to improve the level of safety of children in educational institutions.
Key findings of the study:
- About a third (36%) of students feel calm at school most of the time. 7% of the surveyed children said that they constantly feel anxious during the learning process.
- 68% of Lviv students said that good relationships with teachers and classmates, the absence of bullying, and having friends have the greatest impact on their sense of safety at school.
- 61% of students have a safe adult at school. The class teacher is the most trusted by students in solving problems. In case a student becomes a victim of beating or bullying by others, 69% of respondents would turn to the class teacher. 21% of children surveyed said that they feel most anxious in the principal’s office.
- 59% of students believe that a specially trained safety teacher would be more helpful for school peace than a police officer.
The most peaceful school environments for the students surveyed were classrooms and the courtyard. Only 2% and 4% of students said they felt anxious when they were there.