Schools Are Not Yet Fully Safe, Strengthening Character Education Is Deemed Urgent

Schools are expected to be safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and develop without fear. However, various incidents indicate that schools have not yet fully become environments that guarantee emotional and social safety for all students. Issues such as verbal aggression, social exclusion, and subtle forms of intimidation continue to surface, raising concerns about students’ well-being beyond academic matters.

For many children, the feeling of insecurity at school does not always stem from physical threats but from psychological pressure and unhealthy social interactions. Being ignored, mocked, or constantly judged by peers can create stress and discomfort that affect children’s motivation to attend school and participate in learning activities. These conditions suggest that safety in schools should be understood not only in physical terms but also in emotional and social dimensions.

In response to these challenges, strengthening character education is considered an urgent priority. Character education plays a crucial role in cultivating values such as respect, empathy, responsibility, and mutual care among students. When these values are consistently reinforced, children are more likely to develop positive behaviors that contribute to a safe and supportive school environment.

Nevertheless, the implementation of character education in schools often faces limitations. In some cases, character development is treated as a supplementary component rather than an integral part of daily school practices. Time constraints, academic pressures, and limited teacher training can reduce the effectiveness of character education initiatives, making it difficult to address students’ social and emotional needs comprehensively.

Therefore, creating safer schools requires a collective commitment from educators, school leaders, parents, and policymakers to prioritize character education. By embedding character values into school culture, classroom interactions, and daily routines, schools can foster environments where children feel protected, respected, and valued. Strengthening character education is not merely an educational option but a necessary step toward ensuring schools truly function as safe spaces for every child.