Strategi Guru Dalam Mencegah Kekerasan Verbal di PAUD: Pendekatan Kerangka RESPECT

Verbal violence in early childhood education is a growing concern due to its detrimental effects on children's psychological development. This study identifies strategies employed by schools to prevent verbal violence at TK Negeri 2 Banda Aceh, using an adapted application of the WHO's RESPECT framework. A descriptive qualitative method was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews with three teachers from the Violence Prevention and Handling Team (TPPK) and the school principal, supplemented with documentation of school policies. Findings reveal that teachers implement preventive strategies through educational storytelling, visual media, habituation of polite language, and immediate restorative interventions during conflicts. Teachers demonstrate a strong shared understanding of verbal violence and actively challenge traditional gender norms through their instructional practices, using examples that illustrate hobbies and professions are not gender-specific. The principal supports these efforts through teacher training seminars, SOPs, and the formal establishment of the TPPK. The school utilizes daily songs, anti-bullying posters, and classroom rules to embed prevention messages into the school culture, and has creatively extended these messages to parents via WhatsApp through songs and chants. Teachers consistently model respectful communication and intervene promptly in peer conflicts using restorative approaches that emphasize forgiveness and reconciliation. The school lacks formal collaboration with health institutions but has established an informal referral pathway through the education office to the social services department. A new theme of "Communication" emerged as a central strategy, highlighting the importance of open dialogue between teachers, students, and parents. This study confirms that aligning teacher strategies with the RESPECT framework, specifically the pillars of relationship skills, environments made safe, child protection, and transformed norms, effectively fosters a safer school environment. However, significant gaps remain, including the absence of structured anti-violence campaigns, systematic professional development programs, and formal external partnerships.