Addressing School Violence: Plans for a Specialized Support Unit
In a concerning revelation to the House Education Committee, reports of extreme violence in schools, including sexual abuse, drug use and trafficking, and assaults involving students and teachers, were disclosed. The gravity of the situation necessitated a private discussion due to the involvement of minors.
DEPA MP Alekos Tryfonides shared a harrowing account of a middle school student who, despite being a victim of sexual harassment by peers, continues to attend the same school as the perpetrators. “They cannot enter classrooms, they cannot attend school, they cannot lead a normal life because our procedures are delayed,” lamented Tryfonides. He also noted allegations of students sexually harassing teachers.
The committee deliberated on establishing a specialized unit for children exhibiting extreme behavior. This unit would provide necessary support and facilitate their reintegration into their schools. The Ministry of Education has been given a deadline until June to propose a plan for this structure, failing which the House Education Committee will publicly denounce the inaction.
Despite existing legislation for measures like day centres, there is an acknowledgment of their non-implementation and the lack of support for both victims and perpetrators of school violence. Minister of Education, Athena Michaelidou, announced preparations for an alternative attendance program tailored for children facing severe issues. This program aims to offer specialized support outside the school before reintegrating the students.
Michaelidou also highlighted the absence of family support in some cases and stressed the importance of services stepping in early to assist. A new initiative, an electronic student file, was introduced by the Minister, which will track students from age four until graduation, ensuring immediate access to vital information by relevant services.
With prevention and timely intervention as their primary focus, the Minister reiterated the commitment to creating a safe school environment. The meeting also saw participation from various stakeholders including police representatives, social welfare officials, child protection commissioners, educational organizations, and parents, all uniting to combat violence in schools and support prevention of delinquency.
