School Yards Under The Magnifying Glass: A Qualitative Study on Violence and Childrens’ Rights

Abstract

The purpose of this particular study is to investigate the attitudes of teachers and administrators
towards the students at schoolyards as far as children’s rights are concerned. The investigation was conducted in
2004-2005 academic year, at 7 elementary schools at Seyhan and Yüreir districts, in Adana, Turkey. Data was
collected through observations and interviews. The data obtained from observations and interviews were
thematically categorized, analyzed within the framework of the principles of content analysis, evaluated, and
discussed in terms of children’s rights. The findings revealed that students are denied the right of education in a
hygienic and safe environment; the teachers and administrators lack administrative and disciplinary knowledge
and skills; the rights of children are generally abused and neglected by teachers and administrators.