Learn Without Fear: New campaign to target violence in schools

Violence in school is a daily reality for millions of children

Ending violence against children in schools will be the goal of Plan's new global campaign, Learn Without Fear.

The campaign, to be launched in October 2008, will prioritise corporal punishment, sexual violence and bullying. In a worldwide consultation with Plan community representatives, these 3 issues emerged as the main forms of violence suffered by children in school.

Putting a stop to school violence is vital if the world is to realise its ambition, reflected in the Millennium Development Goals, of providing a high-quality education for all children.

Shocking reality

Recent studies have laid bare the shocking reality of physical and emotional abuse endured by children. Schools themselves often subject children to violence with beating and caning of pupils still standard practice in many countries.

Cruel and humiliating forms of psychological punishment, gender-based violence and bullying remain a daily reality for millions of children.

Plan's campaign will aim to work with and influence governments, teachers, parents and others to prevent violence and protect children at school.

Download Learn Without Fear campaign overview fliers:

English (156kb | 2 pages)

French (156.kb | 2 pages)

Spanish (156kb | 2 pages)

Find out more about Plan's work to stop violence against children

Read about Plan's work in education and child development