engleski

Exposure to Violence and Self-Evaluation of Mental Health of High School Students in Croatia

Health Education in Croatia comprises four modules: Healthy living, Prevention of violent behavior, Addictions prevention and Sex/gender equality and responsible sexual behavior. The experimental program has been introduced through 12 school lessons per year within the homeroom classes in all grades of elementary and secondary school. Present ongoing implementation (2012 – 2014) represents second attempt to introduce Health Education in Croatian education system. High school students in grade 1 and 3 (age 15 and 17), along with the test, completed questionnaire aiming at their attitudes, experiences and behavior in relation to four content areas/modules of Health Education program. Results (N=1187 students) show that more subtle forms of bullying, such as teasing and calling names, are very present in schools. Male students are more exposed to physical violence such as punching and hitting. Almost 20% of students recognized some form of bullying or violence that they have been exposed to in school. Half of students didn’t talk to anybody about what happened to them and only 3% talked with their teachers or professionals at school. Feelings of loneliness, sadness, worry and thoughts of suicide are more expressed in female students. Findings support previous national research on violence in schools that needs to be addressed urgently. Education on health issues has a long term projections on demographic trends, values and society’s long-term goals in education, well-fare and labor policies. These are strong arguments for introducing prevention and aid programs into schools if they are not yet in place.

violence in school; bulling; mental health; Health Education; external evaluation

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