School violence and the exercise of teacher authority: a study with adolescents in São Paulo

Abstract

This article investigated school violence based on a longitudinal survey conducted with adolescents in São Paulo. This is a quantitative research that analyzed the relation between the experience and the practice of violence among adolescents and their perceptions of the school climate and teachers’ authority with a structural equation model. Results showed that school victimization and relational aggression are related and negatively influence the evaluation of the school climate and the legitimacy of teachers. In turn, when teachers exercise their power based on values such as respect and impartiality, there is a positive effect on students’ perceptions, which might be a key to avoiding conflicts.