Is there evidence for proposed measures to curb violence in schools?

The recent episodes of school violence reported in the media have sparked national discussion.

Many opinions have been expressed on what long term actions should be taken.

The Government leadership discussed this on Oct 17 and proposed several measures.

It is important these measures are based on evidence of what works, not opinions or “in my day” sentiments.

We review the proposals in light of the evidence and suggest whether they are effective and beneficial to children in schools.

Police Presence at Schools

After the Cabinet meeting, Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said the Government is considering an ‘omnipresent’ police force in schools.

He said this move is intended to signal that schools are safe places.

Available research shows mixed findings on police presence in schools and violence reduction.

Some studies show reductions in certain violence types such as fights, threats and drug related activities.

Most research suggests it does not make schools safer and is linked to harsh disciplinary actions like suspensions and expulsions.

Studies indicate police presence can make students feel less safe with increased anxiety and fear.

A systematic review of 32 studies found no evidence of safety promotion and instead highlighted the criminalisation of students and schools.

The Use of Metal Detectors in Schools

Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari announced metal detectors and CCTV installation at affected schools.

It is uncertain whether this will be rolled out to other schools.

Evidence shows metal detectors may deter or seize weapons, but systematic evidence does not confirm they reduce overall school violence.

They are associated with negative consequences for students.

A review over many years shows little to no impact on overall school violence and potential for a reduced perception of safety among students.

Some students report feeling less safe with metal detectors.

The Use of CCTVs in Schools

The Selangor government has also suggested Closed Circuit Television cameras in affected schools.

The evidence is mixed on CCTV effectiveness.

There is some evidence of modest overall crime reduction, mainly vehicle crimes in car parks.

Effects on violent crime are generally small and non-significant.

A recent longitudinal study found no effect from CCTV use.

In some studies, students felt less safe with CCTVs.

Caning in Schools as a Discipline Measure

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Government is open to giving teachers flexibility to administer caning under strict guidelines.

This was suggested to improve discipline.

Systematic reviews and meta analyses consistently show corporal punishment, including caning, is not effective in reducing violence or improving long term behaviour.

The evidence associates corporal punishment with increased aggression and violence among students.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states corporal punishment is not effective or ethical, causes harm and should be abolished.

The suggestion to use caning in schools is regressive and contradicted by research and data.

Digital Device and Social Media Ban Under 16 Years of Age

The Government is considering a smartphone ban for those under 16 and raising the minimum social media age to 16.

Anwar has said social media and online games are increasingly shaping children’s behaviour.

Internet connected devices and social media have had significant impacts on society and children.

While some impacts are positive, many are negative with an addictive component.

A smartphone ban would need to include all internet connected devices such as tablets and computers to be effective.

Current systematic reviews show limited and inconclusive evidence that a complete ban for under 16s would directly reduce overall school violence.

Some research shows school smartphone bans can modestly reduce bullying.

Social media can escalate youth conflict and violence, but a ban for under-16s is not definitively proven to reduce violence.

Enforceability is key, and such bans are easily circumvented.

Researchers often advocate harm minimisation approaches such as digital literacy, resilience building and emotion regulation skills.

Outright bans are often ineffective and fail to equip children for responsible digital use.

In summary, none of the measures suggested by the Government or state governments are of proven benefit.

These measures focus on symptoms rather than root causes.

We must address root problems such as psychosocial needs, family challenges, positive school culture and failures of social media platforms to protect children.

We should build school environments and communities where students feel safe and welcome, not policed.

Civil society stands ready to support the Government with evidence based, viable and meaningful solutions.

These are our children, and all of us are responsible and committed to supporting them.

Signatories

Dato' Dr Amar-Singh HSS, Consultant Paediatrician and Child Disability Activist.

Amy Bala, Social Worker.

Ananti, Yayasan Chow Kit.

Dato Dr Hartini Zainudin, Child Activist.

Dr Sheila Gopal Krishnan, Consultant General Paediatrician and Child Health, and Senior Lecturer, MAHSA University.

Yap Sook Yee, Advocate for Children with Disabilities.

Scott J. Wong, Programme Director, Persatuan Kebajikan Rolf Schnyder.

RD Ramesh Patel, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Vivekananda Rembau NS.

Meera Samanther, Gender Disability Activist.

Mariammah Subramaniam, Child Rights Activist.

Cathryn Anila, Child and Youth Rights Advocate.

Kasthuri Krishnan, Malaysia Hindu Dharma Maamandram.

Thulasi Munisamy, Protect and Save the Children.

Datuk Dr Raj Abdul Karim, President, End CSEC Network.

Tiara, Persatuan Untuk Anak Kita (PUAK).

Rozy Ghaffar, Child Safeguarding Officer.

Datin PH Wong, Childline Foundation.

Dato Yasmeen Shariff, Child Rights Advocate.

Goh Siu Lin, Child Activist.

Suraya Bujang, PurpleLily Social Association Kuching.

Sharmila Sekaran, Child Rights and Protection Advocate.

Prof Dato Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, Former Commissioner, Suhakam.