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 School violence, or bullying,
is a serious problem in many schools
in Korea. Bullying often includes physical and verbal violence. Victims suffer from severe pain, fear, and depression. Sadly, however,
the number of victims is increasing.
According to a new survey, one in four students
in elementary school have been bullied by their schoolmates. However, almost
half stayed silent about their experience.
Childfund Korea, a non-governmental child welfare organization,
surveyed 1,377 students in fourth to sixth grades from September through
late December in 2011. The students attended five elementary
schools in Seoul. The survey showed that one in four elementary school
students is bullied at school.
When asked about the most frequent types of bullying,
the respondents cited spreading malignant rumors, verbal abuse, and physical violence, such as
beating or pushing. Hazing and theft were also common.
About 53 percent of the students who were bullied said they sought help from their parents,
teachers, and friends. But 47 percent said they didn’t take any action.
Of those students, 28 percent said they stayed silent because they
didn’t want to make things worse.
Also, 19 percent thought that reporting the incident would be no use.
Another 16 percent said they didn’t think bullying was a big deal, while 11 percent
said they were afraid that bullies would take revenge.
Victims of school violence are having a hard time. They can’t really
focus on their studies either.
In severe cases, some students even commit suicide.
 Bullies
have to realize that bullying is
a serious crime. Other students have
to report bullying cases to their teachers and parents and ask for
help. Adults also have to take active roles to help students.
To combat this widespread problem, the Seoul
metropolitan education council서울특별시의회 agreed to place private guards at schools
in Seoul to prevent school violence,
kidnapping, and other crimes. |
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