Global war trauma filters into classrooms

Exposure to global violence is shaping learners' behaviour, mental health, and perceptions of safety

- DR SHEETAL BHOOLA

SOUTH African learners explore global politics, but inconsistent peace education limits understanding of conflict, xenophobia, and resolution skills. L. Ai Ron

THE psychological trauma, anxiety and secondary stress that have been imposed on us through the ongoing events of war and media coverage have been detailed, graphic and impactful, with live televised happenings and imagery of dying people, bombings and infrastructure destruction.

The ability and accessibility of these visuals reinforce that violence, mass murder and nuclear war are the new norm in our society. The extended period of war has forced us to resume daily activities as usual and dim our sense of humanitarianism, peace and global unity.

These life values are now purposefully neglected as a means of survival, and yet, for some, the war and its impact on people in terms of displacement, loss of lives, livelihoods and dignity are not fully understood within the context of there and here.

This perception and lived experience influence our next generation, who then learn to normalise such behaviours. South African society has become desensitised to violence, war and discrimination.

South African learners are now being taught that it is perfectly acceptable and necessary to undermine violent and inhumane behaviour that goes against humanity, peace and respect for all, irrespective of nationality, religion and geographical location.