The Ankara-based International Strategic Research Organization (USAK) has published a report titled “Learn without Fear: Security and Safety in Schools and School Environments,” which offers a comprehensive discussion of various aspects of school security and suggests some solutions to ensure safety at and outside schools.

The report focuses on the changes in students’ undesirable behavior at school in conjunction with changes in lifestyle and socioeconomic structures of society in general.

The report lists violence and drug addiction as the most dangerous threats to security and safety in and outside of school.

Violence as defined in the report encompasses not only physical violence but also includes verbal, emotional and psychological abuse along with sexual violence.

Violence towards students is common in Turkey. The report says bullying is also very common among students. Stronger students tend to insult, beat or extort weaker ones at school.

Another big threat for students is tobacco addiction and drug and alcohol abuse, Today’s Zaman reported.