Dimensions of school-based violence to and by children: an overview of recent literature

School violence, defined in a variety of ways, is a common feature of contemporary education systems. While there is little empirical evidence to indicate either a significant increase (or decrease) in the phenomenon, it is accurate to recognise that it is a concern which has been the focus of continued attention by politicians, administrators, teachers and parents in most countries. This paper provides a summary of recent literature on the issue. It scopes in particular the core issues of causation, incidence and impact, resilience and intervention/response strategies; in doing so, it draws upon an ecosystemic model of analysis.