Exploring Discrimination in School and Its Implications to Learning: Stories To Tell
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64612/ijiv.v2i1.61Keywords:
education, bullying, discrimination, student coping mechanisms, safe school environmentAbstract
This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of discrimination and bullying among junior and senior high school students, focusing on their coping strategies and visions for a safe school environment. Ten (10) purposively selected participants took part in in-depth interviews, and the data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns. The findings revealed four major themes of lived experiences—verbal bullying, physical bullying, social exclusion, and discrimination based on identity—as well as four categories of coping strategies, namely emotional coping, cognitive coping, social support, and behavioral coping. Students also envisioned a bullying-free school defined by respect and equality, a safe and inclusive environment, supportive school policies, and the active role of teachers and authorities. The study emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environments, underscoring the need for a collaborative, community-wide effort to transform school culture by promoting safety, respect, and inclusion, thereby ensuring that all learners can thrive.
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