Schools should be environments where students feel safe, respected and supported. However, bullying and violence can significantly impact young people’s wellbeing and learning experience. The study “A Teacher’s Perceptions of the Impacts of the Zero Violence Brave Club in Students’ Wellbeing” explores teachers’ perceptions of how a school-based initiative may help address these challenges.
Why This Matters
Bullying and peer violence have been linked to anxiety, low self-esteem, social isolation and reduced academic engagement. Teachers are often on the front line of observing these effects, making their perspectives especially valuable.
This research explores how community-based interventions, such as the Zero Violence Brave Club, may positively influence student behaviour and overall wellbeing. The findings suggest that preventing violence is not only about addressing harmful behaviours, but also about building a positive and supportive school culture.
Supporting Students Through Collective Action
The Zero Violence Brave Club encourages students to act as “upstanders” by taking an active role in rejecting violence and supporting their peers. Rather than focusing only on punitive responses, it promotes dialogue, solidarity and shared responsibility.
According to the teachers involved in the study, this approach helped create an environment where students felt more confident speaking up, supporting one another and contributing to a positive school climate.
What the Study Covers
The study is structured around key themes that reflect the impact of the intervention:
1. Understanding Student Wellbeing
This section explores how wellbeing is affected by peer relationships and school climate. It considers emotional safety, sense of belonging and the importance of respectful interactions among students.
2. Preventing Violence Through Student Participation
The study examines how the Zero Violence Brave Club seeks to foster a culture in which violence and bullying are actively challenged. Students are encouraged to challenge bullying and reinforce positive social norms among their peers.
3. Observed Impacts in the Classroom
Teachers reported improvements in student relationships, increased empathy, stronger peer support networks and a greater willingness among students to report or intervene in harmful situations.
A School-Based Approach to Wellbeing
By focusing on prevention, participation and positive relationships, the Zero Violence Brave Club offers an effective intervention for enhancing student wellbeing. The study highlights the importance of involving the whole school community (students, teachers and families) in efforts to create lasting change.
Ultimately, the findings suggest that empowering students to stand together against violence may contribute to safer, more inclusive and more supportive school environments.