Reports of violent incidents involving students and educators, including sexual abuse, drug use, drug trafficking, and beatings, were discussed in the Education Committee of the Parliament.
The discussion took place behind closed doors due to the sensitive information concerning minors and was conducted with intense tones, with voices echoing down the corridors.
“We have an incident of a student being sexually abused by fellow students at a high school, where one and a half months after the tragic event and any interventions, the victim is in the same school with the perpetrators. He can’t enter the classrooms, can’t attend school, can’t have a normal life because our procedures are slow,” said DIPA MP Alekos Tryfonidis after the session, adding, “There are also complaints of sexual harassment by students against educators.”
The dialogue, as we are informed, focused on the need to create a structure to transfer children with extreme behaviour, who, after receiving the necessary support, will be reintegrated into their school unit.
A telegram was even sent to the Ministry of Education, requesting that the plan for creating this structure be submitted by June; otherwise, the Education Committee would proceed with a public denunciation via a press conference.
During the discussion on “deviance and criminal actions in schools,” an admission was made regarding the lack of support for both victims and perpetrators and that, although there is legislation, such as the establishment of day centres, it remains on paper and is not implemented.
At the end of the session, Education Minister Athena Michailidou spoke about extreme violent incidents and deviance taking place in schools, announcing that they are preparing a proposal for the creation of a structure.
“Soon we will have a proposal for an alternative attendance programme for children for very extreme cases, which will allow the student to leave school, attend their classes, and be supported by specialists before returning,” she said.
The role of parents is crucial, she emphasised. “In some cases, unfortunately, we see that there is no family behind the child. That’s why services must be there from the beginning to help these children.”
Additionally, the Minister said they would soon introduce a new system – an electronic student file – which will accompany the student from the age of four until graduation, so that all services, such as Social Welfare, psychiatric, and others, can have immediate information about each child.
“Our primary concern is prevention and timely intervention in matters of violence and deviance,” Michailidou stressed.
“Our concern is a safe school for everyone. We cannot tolerate violence and deviance, especially extreme incidents in a school setting. It is inconceivable for us to strive to improve academic results and the school climate while tolerating violent incidents that victimise our children or put educators in difficult positions.”
The discussion also involved representatives from the Police, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights, educational organisations, and parents.
