Contribution of physical and sports education to the prevention of violence in schools: perceptions of teachers in Senegal

This article explores the problem of violence in the school environment and examines the contribution of Physical and Sports Education (PSE) to its prevention, focusing particularly on the Senegalese context. It aims to shed light on how PE, as perceived by teachers, goes beyond its formal role of teaching sports practices to become an educational discipline that fosters the acquisition of social reference values and the promotion of a peaceful school climate. The study targeted PE teachers in Dakar-Plateau high schools, chosen for their role and expertise in the education system. A purposive sample of 30 teachers was selected. A survey questionnaire and a semi-directive interview guide were used to collect data, which were then processed using SPSS and NVivo software for in-depth statistical and qualitative analysis. The results reveal that the causes of violence in schools include inadequate family education, overcrowded classrooms, sometimes lax application of sanctions and authoritarian attitudes adopted by some teachers. Suggested preventive strategies include activities favoring wellbeing, inclusive management and the integration of social rules of reference into PE sessions. Ultimately, the study indicates that this discipline, through its educational and social dimensions, constitutes an important tool in the prevention of school violence, by promoting appropriate behavior and reinforcing social cohesion within the school.