Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Parents from Private and Public Schools on Violence Against Children in Nepal: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Violence against children (VAC) is still a critical global issue, with implications for their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. In Nepal, despite recent constitutional provisions and policies prohibiting corporal punishment, however the national data show a high prevalence of violent disciplinary practices in all provinces and areas of Nepal. This study tries to address a gap in literature by conducting a comparative analysis of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) about VAC among parents of both private and government schools in Arjundhara Municipality, Jhapa. This research is grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research investigates how sociodemographic factors and school type influence parental feelings and disciplinary behaviors towards children. A cross-sectional research survey design was administered, collecting data from 400 caregivers (180 from government schools and 220 from private schools) of children in grades 3-5, considering the age of the children between 8-11 years. Participants for the interview were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. A structured self-centered questionnaire, which is digitalized via Kobo Toolbox, and measured demographic variables with TPB constructs—knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and practices. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, bivariate regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine differences and predictive relationships as per the research questions' requirements. The analysis found significant disparities between the two groups i.e. parents from private and government schools. Parents from private schools proved significantly higher mean scores in knowledge, attitudes favoring non-violent discipline, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis showed that perceived behavioral control was the strongest predictor of intention to avoid VAC for both groups of parents, but its influence was more pronounced among private school parents. This research finally discussed that there are clear differences in parental KAP about VAC between private and government school settings in Nepal. The TPB creates a strong basis for understanding the differences between the parent populations of private schools and public schools and indicates that there is a need to enhance parents perceived control over using non-violent methods of discipline, as well as modify subjective norms in communities. Suggestions that could be put into practice include developing interventions that target school type and that give parents of children enrolled in public schools more control over the ways they parent through skill building and access to resources, and that utilize the progressive attitudes present in private schools to enhance and support peer led advocacy. Providing school based services to parents and ensuring compliance with child protection laws, are among the ways policymakers may help create a safe school environment for all children.