Factors Associated with Life at School for Teenagers

Abstract

The article presents the findings of research on the conditions and factors associated with life at school. The purpose was to evaluate school life through a descriptive transversal study conducted at nine schools in five towns in Cundinamarca Colombia during 2011. The participants included 1091 students and 101 teachers. The instruments used included variables such as the climate at school, aggression, risk and support factors, self-esteem, family functionality and subjective well-being. The Precede Proceed educational model was used to diagnose life at school. The students said the climate at school is unsatisfactory and cited the existence of aggressive behavior (verbal and physical), destruction of materials, social isolation and sexual harassment. Standard approaches are used to resolve and address conflicts. Problems are caused by difficult students, lack of respect, discipline and intolerance on the part of teachers. The classroom is where aggression occurs most often. Friends and family intervene in solving conflicts. The teachers reported that students are vulnerable to drug and alcohol consumption, and parental support is not evident. The violence is independent of the type of facility, age, social or economic level, and family background (nuclear or non-nuclear). Unlike the students, the teachers have good self-esteem, family functionality and subjective well-being.