Shtip to step up prevention of peer violence in primary and secondary schools with a focus on cyberbullying
Workshops for pupils and school staff, continued corridor duty and expanded pedagogical support will be reinforced from 1 September.
Municipal authorities in Shtip plan a series of workshops for pupils and teaching staff on peer violence in the coming school year, which begins on 1 September.
Last year the municipal schools introduced teacher duty rosters during breaks, and prevention was strengthened through regular work by pedagogical services with both students and staff.
Focus on cyberbullying
Experts warn that one of the most dangerous forms of peer violence is online abuse. Analyses show violence on social networks has increased by more than 30% in the recent period.
Girls are most often targeted by the spread of false information, threats and misuse of personal data, local officials say.
Every tenth child aged 12 to 17 was exposed to sexual exploitation and abuse via the internet, the report "Preventing Harm in Macedonia" showed — a study produced by UNICEF, ECPAT and Interpol in cooperation with the Government.
"Duty rosters were introduced in the corridors during breaks, so students are constantly under supervision. The pedagogical services have also intensified their work, they continuously work with the students. In addition to students, they provide support to the teaching staff, but also to parents," says Snezana Saneva of the Municipality of Shtip.
Photo: press material from the event
