Why data matters and where to find it
What we know, what’s missing, and where to access data on violence in and around schools
Many countries do not regularly collect or report data on violence in and around schools, yet this is essential for understanding school-related violence – who is affected, where risks are highest, and which policies and programmes actually work. Yet despite rising global attention, major gaps remain.
Most global datasets are outdated or incomplete. Few countries collect data on sexual violence by school staff, corporal punishment, or violence during children’s school journey. Only 17 per cent have data on sexual violence by school personnel, and no major international survey includes data on violence during travel to and from school.
Trend data is rare. Only about one-third of countries have repeated the same survey to track progress over time – and most of this covers only peer bullying.
Experiences of the most at-risk children, including children with disabilities, LGBTQI+ learners, young children, and those in humanitarian settings are often missing or under-documented.
Stronger data systems are critical for governments to design effective prevention and response mechanisms, allocate resources, and monitor progress.
Better data means better, more informed decisions – that can help build safer schools for every child.
Where can you find data and evidence?
Accordion
Databases on Violent Discipline (SDG 16.2.1) and Sexual Violence (SDG 16.2.3)
UNICEF is responsible for supporting the monitoring of SDG 16.2.1 and SDG 16.2.3. These databases provide global estimates on children aged 1–14 subjected to violent discipline—physical and psychological—by caregivers. Data shows that 1.6 billion children experience violence discipline monthly, with prevalence details across 98 countries. Global figures are also provided on childhood sexual violence, with breakdowns by contact and non-contact types. 1 in 5 girls and approximately 1 in 7 boys have experienced sexual violence before the age of 18.
International Classification of Violence Against Children
The International Classification of Violence Against Children (ICVAC), launched by UNICEF, provides operational definitions to track all forms of child violence—interpersonal, collective, during peace or conflict—and enables globally comparable data collection. The ICVAC framework includes standardized indicators for violence in schools—such as physical (corporal punishment), emotional (bullying), and sexual violence—ensuring consistent data collection across contexts. According to the latest data, 92 low- and middle-income countries report information on at least one form of school-related violence.
Center for Global Development School-Related Violence Data Hub
A comprehensive cross-country compilation of school-related violence data. The Center for Global Development School-Related Violence Data Hub draws on nine major international surveys covering 92 low- and middle-income countries, and provides country profiles on bullying, corporal punishment, teacher-perpetrated violence, sexual violence, and legal frameworks, as well as key data gaps and comparability issues.
Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS)
Nationally representative household surveys implemented by national governments, with technical support from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and global coordination through the Together for Girls partnership. The Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS) collect detailed, age- and sex-disaggregated data on physical, emotional, and sexual violence, including where violence occurs and how it affects schooling and well-being.
Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS)
The Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) is a WHO survey administered in schools to students aged 13-17 years, the GSHS includes modules on bullying, physical attacks, physical fights, and school safety, offering comparative data across dozens of countries. It focuses primarily on peer-to-peer violence and adolescent health-related behaviours.
End Corporal Punishment – legal status and global estimates
A global database that tracks the legal status of corporal punishment across all settings, including schools, homes, and care institutions. The initiative also publishes global estimates, including the most recent figure showing that 793 million school-age children live in countries where corporal punishment at school remains lawful.
