KUWAIT CITY, Feb 9: The annual report of the Department of Social and Psychological Services for the 2023/2024 academic year revealed that the number of behavioral cases that were dealt with in various educational stages - primary, intermediate, and secondary - increased by 32,241 cases compared to the previous year. According to the report, cases of violence among students topped the list, followed by cases of smoking, vandalism, and public quarrels. Some behaviors, such as gender identity disorder, showed lower rates. Girls outnumbered boys in cases of verbal violence. Boys recorded higher rates of smoking, quarrels, and vandalism compared to girls.

Certain behaviors such as gender identity disorder and psychological problems were relatively less common in comparison to more prevalent issues. Despite the efforts of relevant departments, the report reflects ongoing behavioral challenges that require further intervention by school administrations and social services. This could include more awareness programs and stricter procedures to reduce negative phenomena among students. Breakdown of behavioral cases
1. Violence among male and female students: Verbal and physical violence topped the list with 12,782 cases, including: 5,039 cases among boys (4,746 records, 293 files); 7,743 cases among girls (7,353 records, 390 files) Physical violence amounted to 9,588 cases: 5,982 cases among boys (5,399 records, 583 files): 3,606 cases among girls (3,365 records, 241 files)
2. Smoking The total number of smoking cases in schools was 1,361, including: 1,266 cases among boys (1,226 records, 40 files); 95 cases among girls (62 records, 33 files)
3. Vandalism and quarrels A total of 1,719 cases were recorded, including: 1,502 cases among boys (1,015 records, 487 files); 217 cases among girls (112 records, 105 files)
4. Other behaviors with lower rates Psychological problems (depression, autism, anxiety): 98 cases (82 among boys, 16 among girls) Gender identity disorder: 11 cases (10 among boys, 1 among girls) Disruptive behavior disorder: 5 cases (3 among boys, 2 among girls) Total cases by gender Boys: 17,427 cases (16,272 records, 1,155 files) Girls: 14,814 cases (13,907 records, 907 files)
Total cases of violence of all kinds: 14,692 Boys: 8,897 cases Girls: 5,795 cases

Behavioral cases among students
1. Verbal and physical violence against students Total: 12,782 cases Boys: 7,743 cases Girls: 5,039 cases
2. Verbal and physical violence against teachers Total: 1,910 cases Boys: 1,154 cases Girls: 756 cases
3. Destruction of public property Total: 9,588 cases Boys: 5,982 cases Girls: 3,606 cases
4. Smoking Total: 1,719 cases Boys: 1,207 cases Girls: 512 cases
5. Theft Total: 297 cases Boys: 182 cases Girls: 115 cases
6. Alcohol and drug use Total: 19 cases Boys: 17 cases Girls: 2 cases
7. Skipping classes Total: 3,702 cases Boys: 2,038 cases Girls: 1,664 cases
8. Absence from school Total: 444 cases Boys: 377 cases Girls: 67 cases
9. Domestic violence Total: 305 cases Boys: 182 cases Girls: 123 cases
10. Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety Total: 98 cases Boys: 82 cases Girls: 16 cases
11. Gender identity disorder Total: 11 cases Boys: 9 cases Girls: 2 cases
12. Behavioral disorder Total: 5 cases Boys: 3 cases Girls: 2 cases Total number of behavioral cases recorded: 32,241 Boys: 18,414 cases Girls: 13,827 cases

By Abdulrahman Al-Shammari
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff