Geography and Human Relationships

Geography and Human Relationships

Analyzing the challenges of implementing child-friendly school principles in urban educational spaces (Case Study: Secondary High Schools in Islamabad gharb City)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Postdoctoral Researcher in Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz- Geography Teacher, Islamabad gharb
2 Postdoctoral Researcher in Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
3 Director of the Student Research Center, Islamabad Gharb Education Center
10.22034/gahr.2025.529626.2507
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the challenges and obstacles to implementing the principles of child-friendly schools in the educational environments of second-year high schools in Islamabad gharb City.

Method: This study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical research method. Data and information related to factors and barriers to the realization of different levels of child-friendly schools in the second-cycle high schools of Islamabad gharb were collected through a survey of 50 experts and specialists (including teachers of these high schools and research centers) and based on the Delphi method. In this regard, four dimensions of physical, social, educational, and psychological have been analyzed as the main obstacles affecting the implementation of child-friendly school principles in the educational environments of second-year high schools in Islamabad gharb City, using interpretive-structural modeling (ISM).

Results: The results of the study show that the most fundamental obstacles to implementing child-friendly school principles in high schools in West Islamabad are directly related to the first level and fundamental issues such as lack of safety, disregard for special needs, inappropriate spaces (color, play, hygiene, facilities, peace), lack of a friendly atmosphere and positive relationships, and lack of a sense of security and belonging

Conclusions: These barriers with the highest influence are identified as key and main barriers. Therefore, any decision to implement these principles requires serious attention and prioritization of removing these critical barriers. Finally, suggestions are provided.
Keywords

Subjects



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 September 2025

  • Receive Date 10 June 2025
  • Accept Date 17 September 2025