Regulating Student Violence: Discipline, Protection, and Justice in Contemporary School Systems

Abstract

Student violence remains a critical challenge for education systems, raising complex questions about discipline, protection, and justice. This article examines how school regulations address student violence and the implications for educational justice. Using policy analysis from Indonesia, the study highlights tensions between punitive disciplinary approaches and protective frameworks centered on students’ rights. The findings indicate that regulatory responses often prioritize institutional order and reputational concerns over contextual understanding and prevention. As a result, disciplinary measures may exacerbate exclusion rather than address underlying causes of violence. This article argues that justice-oriented school regulation requires an integrated approach that balances discipline with protection and restorative principles. The study contributes to international debates on safe learning environments and rights-based education governance.