A Study on Diagnosis and Improvement Measures for the Operation of the Zero-Center for School Violence Prevention: Focusing on the K Provincial Office of Education

This study diagnoses the current operation of the Zero-Center for School Violence Prevention, which offers case investigations, victim support, perpetrator―victim relationship improvement, and legal assistance for victims. It aims to identify improvement measures based on challenges identified in its operation. Statistical data on the Zero-Center’s activities were gathered from educational supervisors (N = 25) at regional education support offices under the K Provincial Office of Education. Additionally, surveys and open-ended responses addressing operational challenges and potential improvements were analyzed. To further explore these issues, a stratified purposive sampling method was used to conduct in-depth interviews with nine Zero-Center staff members responsible for various tasks. The interview data were analyzed using the consensual qualitative research (CQR) method. The results indicate that the Zero-Center has alleviated the burden on schools in managing school violence; however, it has also inadvertently suppressed schools’ educational responses and efforts. While the introduction of dedicated investigators improved the fairness and objectivity of case examinations, challenges such as insufficient understanding of schools and students, and disparities in investigators’ competencies were highlighted. The findings emphasize the need for customized training programs for investigators. Furthermore, comprehensive support for victims, including integrated treatment and legal assistance, remains insufficient, and efforts toward relationship restoration are relatively limited. To address these challenges, the study proposes expanding personnel, including legal experts, at the national level and enhancing schools’ educational accountability in addressing school violence.