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21/03/2023 - Violence has increasingly become a phenomenon that extends into the educational sphere, including within schools. In his dissertation, Muhammad Ridho Muttaqin explored the realities of student violence, school strategies for addressing it, and the specific role of Islamic Education in tackling the issue. His research is titled “Islamic Education Strategies to Address Violence in Schools.”

This study employed a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach. The research was conducted at three vocational schools: SMK VIP Ma’arif NU 1 Kemiri, SMK Sawunggalih Kutoarjo, and SMK HKTI Kutoarjo. Ridho involved various stakeholders in the study, including school principals; vice principals for curriculum and student affairs; Islamic Education teachers; and students from grades X, XI, and XII, including members of student organisations.

Using focus group discussions (FGDs), observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, Ridho processed the data through five stages: transcribing interview results; identifying statements relevant to the research focus; grouping statements into meaningful units; constructing a comprehensive description of the meanings and experiences shared by informants; and compiling the research findings.

The study revealed that bullying remains prevalent in schools. Such acts include physical mockery, throwing or poking with stationery, hiding belongings, and making sarcastic remarks. These behaviours lead to both physical and psychological impacts on victims. The motivations behind these actions often stem from revenge, while most are carried out in a joking manner, with perpetrators underestimating the seriousness of their behaviour.

Schools have adopted three main strategies to anticipate and address such incidents: issuing principal-led policies, developing curricula and school programmes, and maximising student activities. In addition, Ridho applied Islamic Education strategies consisting of three main patterns: structured coaching, habituation of positive behaviours in daily school life, and close student mentoring.

“The implementation of these three strategic patterns has proven effective in addressing cases of violence in schools,” Ridho concluded during his offline open dissertation defence. (ant)