Parents’ involvement in protecting children against violence in schools: A study of selected schools in Mukono District, Uganda

Abstract

The study focused on parents’ involvement in addressing and responding to child abuse in selected schools. The research explored different approaches and interventions used to mitigate child abuse in schools in Mukono district specifically in Goma sub-county focusing on five selected schools drawing respondents from the community and pupils from upper primary schools. The study was hypothesized on ‘Ecological Model for Family Violence Prevention’ proposed by Reilly & Gravdal (2012). The main objective of the study was to examine the level of parent’s involvement in responding to violence against children in school in Goma sub-county, Mukono district. And the study specifically was interested in identifying major abuses children face, how parents respond and address violence that happens to children at school as well as the major challenges encountered by parents in addressing violence that occurs to children when they are at school.

In this study, a mixed research using a cross-sectional research design was employed using both quantitative and qualitative methods of research to collect data. This approach was deemed useful because it provides a better understanding of the research problem than either of using one approach. Study findings revealed that involving parents in child affairs at school is one of the best options of addressing child abuse more especially those that occur in schools. When parents are involved and participate in school activities where their children study, they create a mutual relationship with the school authorities and teachers.

Results further show that although protecting children from violence, abuse and neglect is a complex task, it requires parental skills that are built in a systematic manner in the society. Study findings further showed that some respondents had limited time (Mean =1.6098, Std =.74959) when Likert scale results were tested. It was revealed that majority of the respondents agreed that male spouse rarely visits their children at school and the burden is always left on female parents and teachers (Mean = 1.4634, Std = 0.65159).Children when asked the major abuses their parents/guardians should respond to, majority reported that violence inflicted on them by their peers is worthy to be responded to, 88%, corporal punishments 40 (72%) and other forms of violence including physical (68%).

The study concludes by arguing that parent’s involvement in responding to violence against children in schools is a multi-stage approach and intervention which schools must use to bring parents on board. Similarly, the study recommends building strong partnerships and linkages between, parents, schools and teachers as a starting point for creating violence free schools. The study recommends further research to be done to determine how emotional abuses can be responded to by parents.