Peer violence requires ongoing commitment from all relevant stakeholders

Peer violence is not an isolated incident, but a complex social phenomenon that requires a multisectoral approach and ongoing commitment from all relevant stakeholders - educational, social and health institutions, as well as the family and community as a whole, said Ana Kulić Ratković, Director of the Institute for Social and Child Protection.

The Institute for Education and the Institute for Child and Social Protection organized the forum "Together against Peer Violence - Prevention and Intervention: Perspectives of the Education and Social and Child Protection Systems", with the aim of strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and improving preventive mechanisms in the protection of children and youth.

The forum brought together experts from the education system and the social and child protection system, representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, relevant institutions and non-governmental organizations, directors, professional associates from educational institutions, as well as directors of day care centers and social work centers from all regions of Montenegro.

The Director of the Institute for Education, Raba Hodžić, emphasized that peer violence is not only a professional challenge, but also a deep social issue that requires attention, understanding, timely reaction "and, above all, togetherness."

She said that the Institute for Education remains strongly committed to developing preventive mechanisms in schools, strengthening the competencies of teachers and professional associates, as well as fostering a school environment in which a sense of belonging, security, mutual respect and appreciation of diversity are developed.

Ivana Milutinović, Advisor in the Department for Research and Development of the Educational System at the Institute for Education, spoke about the activities of that institution aimed at preventing all forms of peer violence in educational institutions, as well as the activities that the Institute carries out after reporting peer violence.

Peer violence consultant Ivana Raščanin Radićević spoke about the phenomenon of peer violence, its clear distinction from other forms of violence and conflicts among children, as well as the key characteristics that "make this phenomenon particularly sensitive from the perspective of children's rights," the Institute for Education announced.

Educator Dr. Marija Draganić Vulanović spoke about the prevention of peer violence in schools, with a special emphasis on the role of schools in developing students' socio-emotional competences through peer education and cooperation with institutions.

Supervisor and case manager at the Center for Social Work for the Capital City of Podgorica, Jelena Manojlović, pointed out the role of centers for social work and the importance of intersectoral cooperation in the protection of children and youth.

The second segment of the program was dedicated to peer violence against children with special educational needs.

Anita Marić, Advisor for Inclusive Education at the Institute for Education, spoke about the challenges and position of children with disabilities in situations of peer violence and forms of prevention, while Olga Rovčanin, Director of the Day Care Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities and Developmental Difficulties, addressed peer violence against children with disabilities and developmental difficulties, looking at the topic through risk factors, the role of day care centers in the prevention and protection of children, challenges in practice, as well as the importance of interdepartmental cooperation.

Finally, defectology specialist - typhlologist Neda Đukić spoke about peer violence from the perspective of a member of the mobile team of the Institute for Education, with special emphasis on situations in which children with special educational needs are involved in peer violence.

The event was moderated by Anđela Kljajević, Public Relations Advisor of the Institute for Education.

"After the presentation, a constructive discussion was opened during which the participants exchanged experiences, dilemmas and recommendations, and considered challenges and opportunities for improving the joint work of the education and social and child protection systems, with the aim of strengthening a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all children and youth in Montenegro," the statement reads.