Global Brief: School Safety Gaps Affect 330 Million Children

A newly released global policy brief reveals that 330 million children are affected by inadequate safety measures in schools, exposing them to various risks including violence, natural disasters, and health hazards. The report highlights the urgent need for governments and educational institutions to address these safety gaps through stronger policies, infrastructure improvements, and better emergency preparedness. It emphasizes that ensuring safe learning environments is essential for children's well-being, academic success, and long-term development worldwide.

As climate change, health crises, and conflicts become more frequent and intense, education systems around the world are increasingly vulnerable. A new report titled Global Status of School Safety presents the most detailed analysis so far of how nations are addressing school safety amid growing challenges.

While there are examples of strong practices, the report finds that their adoption varies widely across regions.

The Comprehensive School Safety Framework aims to guide governments and partners in ensuring safe, fair, and uninterrupted access to quality education for all learners. Backed by 84 countries, the framework promotes a comprehensive approach to managing risks, from natural disasters and technological threats to health emergencies and violence. However, the report shows that fewer than a third of countries use this framework to shape national education policies, and less than two-thirds have set up a body to oversee its implementation.

This gap between commitments and actual policy shifts indicates an urgent need for targeted action and support to transform pledges into real-world improvements.

According to the 2024 survey, most governments recognize the importance of maintaining education during crises. Though nearly all have policies and guidance in place, one-third report that these plans are weak or poorly enforced. Additionally, only a small portion of schools review them annually. Children facing the highest risks, like refugees and displaced students, are often excluded from these strategies.

Environmental hazards are now a major threat to learning. Events like floods, wildfires, and extreme heat are increasingly interrupting schooling. While the majority of governments have risk management plans for climate threats, only a fifth carry out climate risk assessments for their schools, and an equal percentage offer strong adaptation guidance.

Three-quarters of countries reported that their school buildings have been damaged by such hazards. One in three governments confirmed student fatalities due to earthquakes. Despite existing safety standards, only a small minority are consistently reinforcing vulnerable school infrastructure.

The report also exposes major shortcomings in addressing threats unrelated to climate. Although most governments have strategies in place to support health and student well-being in schools, less than a third allocate sufficient funds. Nearly all recognize violence and bullying as real dangers, but nearly a quarter reported student deaths tied to such incidents.

Data collection remains limited, with fewer than half of countries gathering detailed statistics on violence, particularly in relation to gender or disability. Improved data is vital for crafting effective interventions. While most governments involve educators in school safety planning, only a small percentage require training in areas like disaster preparedness, climate resilience, or emotional well-being.

Despite being directly impacted, students are often left out of planning processes. Only a fifth of governments have strong policies that encourage children’s participation in safety efforts, and less than 35% include them in hazard assessments, even though their input is critical for identifying real-life risks.

As the frequency and severity of crises increase, the need to prioritize school safety becomes more urgent. The Comprehensive School Safety Framework offers a clear pathway for governments to strengthen resilience and protect every child.

While acknowledging the steps already taken, the policy brief calls for more decisive action from governments.

To ensure education remains a safe and accessible right, the Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector urges countries to:

• Fully adopt and implement the Comprehensive School Safety Framework.
  
  
• Integrate school safety into all national policies and systems.
  
  
• Provide adequate funding for infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and inclusive planning.
  
  
• Track progress and share lessons learned across nations.
  
  
• Involve children meaningfully in planning and response efforts.

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Source: unesco‍