Exploring the Psychological Impact of School-Based Violence on Learners’ Academic Performance

This study explored the psychological impact of school-based violence (SBV) on learners’ academic performance. SBV is viewed as a proliferation of values within the society and shows high levels of lawlessness which hinders the smooth schooling process. This study employed Ubuntu paradigm to frame non-violence and through qualitative research method, the study purposively sampled 28 learners in two secondary schools from Grade 8 to 11. Focus group interviews were used to collect data on forms of violence perpetrated against learners inside of the school premises. This paper addresses the following questions: What is the psychological impact of SBV on learners? How does the impact of SBV affect learner academic performance? Data were collected over a period of three months and was analysed using a thematic analysis. The results revealed that the number of violent incidents reported are far from way less than the actual occurrences and owing to this, learners felt that schools continue to remain unsafe spaces of learning for them, and this had long-term psychological impact on them and their academic achievements. This study contributes to the ongoing attempts to create a peaceful education environment through Ubuntu.