Psychologists warn on violence in schools

In the wake of recent incidents of school violence the Pancyprian Association of Psychologists (Pasypsy) has voiced concerns that projects like literacy programmes and the Educational Priority Zones (EPZ), a programme aimed at channelling resources to schools in disadvantaged areas and encouraging the development of new teaching projects, have been terminated as they have great preventive value.

“We are convinced the school system and the education ministry have a duty to the people to put programmes, mechanisms, policies and laws in place which aim to promote the mental health and the present and future welfare of children, who are the future citizens of the country,” the association said.

“We would like to stress that the answer to the problems of violence and victimisation at school should be dealt with mainly with arrangements for a preventive strategy that begins in kindergarten and ends in higher education,” they added.

There was an investigation of violence in Cyprus schools by local and international figures in 2010 and 2011 which covered students and teachers of primary education, the association went on to say. “From what we know, the findings and recommendations of this research have been studied by the competent bodies and all stakeholders.”

Pasypsy stressed tackling violence in schools should be reinforced by the fight against illiteracy and school failure. Key components of prevention are improving the school climate and introducing school regulations designed by students, teachers and parents.

For all this, the Educational Psychology Service of the education ministry needs to cooperate with other departments of the ministry.

In October, a 16-year-old girl in Limassol was badly beaten up by two other female students, the video of which was widely circulated on social media.

Last year 120 incidents of juvenile delinquency were recorded in primary schools and as many in high schools.

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