Unicef says students in Pacific Island countries are facing violence in schools at a higher rate than the global average.
Reconciliation between students of Avele and Malua Fou Colleges Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The 'End Violence' campaign looked at peer bullying including physical fights and psychological violence as well as corporal punishment affecting 13 to 15 year olds.
It said over half of students in Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu experienced bullying at school compared to a third of children globally.
Unicef is working to bring in policies and legislation to protect students from violence in schools, boosting prevention and response measures and urging students to speak up about violence to change the culture in classrooms.
Children at Lambubu Primary School on Malekula Island in Vanuatu. Photo: Supplied/Kacific
Corporal punishment is prohibited in 10 out of 14 Pacific Island countries but the report found too many teachers are untrained in alternative discipline methods.
The report said peer violence is a pervasive part of young people's education around the world, impacting students' learning and well-being.
More on the unicef report and information about the #ENDviolence programme and empowering children to speak up about violence can be found [Link for children to speak up about violence, unicef report and more information about the #ENDviolence programme can be found here.
Solomon islands school children in class. Photo: Supplied
