School may be the most influential institution in children’s lives, ranking just below family and home as the foundation on which they build their futures. In the best cases, schools are safe and encouraging spaces where children gain the knowledge and skills
they need to navigate adult life. Schools can buffer children from the risks of child labour, exploitation and child marriage. In school, a child can find shelter. For far too many young people around the world, however, school is dangerous. Instead of a haven that nourishes learning, inclusivity and friendships, schools introduce harmful relationships characterized by exclusion, bullying or aggression.