Designing a Bullying-Free School to Foster a Safe Environment Based on Sustainable Development Goals: A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

School bullying is a serious barrier in developing a safe and conducive learning environment, particularly when considering Indonesia's efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study examines both the needs and challenges in establishing a bullying-free school environment using a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data. It involved 238 students from six junior high schools in Surakarta, and were selected through stratified random sampling. The data were collected using a questionnaire and in-depth interviews with both teachers and students. The findings reveal that although most schools have established anti-bullying policies, their implementation faces significant challenges, including low parental involvement (40% of teachers reported), limited school resources, and insufficient teacher training (only 30% of teachers felt adequately trained). Statistically, 67% of respondents reported bullying occurs in their school, with 70% of students feeling comfortable participating in arts and sports activities that promote a positive school climate. The study proposes a holistic approach to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership, community collaboration, and the integration of character education and supportive facilities. The results highlight the need for consistent policy implementation and the development of a supportive school culture to effectively prevent bullying and foster a safe learning environment.