Milatović proposed the establishment of a binding state mechanism to combat peer violence

President Jakov Milatović proposed the establishment of a binding state mechanism to combat peer violence, through the development of a national protocol for dealing with cases of physical, psychological, verbal and digital peer violence.

A statement from Milatović's cabinet states that the latest cases remind us that peer violence can no longer be treated as a problem of one school, one family or one incident, and adds that the state must react immediately, clearly and in an organized manner.

Milatović therefore, as they said, proposes the development of a national protocol for dealing with cases of peer violence, which would include physical, psychological, verbal and digital violence.

"The protocol must precisely define the obligations of the school, social work center, police, health institutions, psychological services and competent ministries," the statement said.

It is added that the goal is for each case to have a clear course of action - who reacts, within what time frame, how to protect a child who has suffered violence, how to involve parents, how to work with a child who has committed violence, and who bears responsibility if the system fails.

"Milatović also proposes the creation of official records of cases of peer violence, measures taken and outcomes of the proceedings, with full protection of children's identities and personal data," the statement says.

Milatović's office emphasized that Montenegro must know the extent of the problem in order to be able to prevent, monitor, and sanction it.

"The initiative also includes considering changes to the legal framework, so that schools will have clearer and more effective mechanisms for action, with stronger protection for victims and greater accountability of all institutions that are required to respond," the statement said.

It is added that a special priority must be mandatory psychological support for a child who has suffered violence.

"A child who has been attacked, humiliated, filmed or exposed to public shaming must immediately receive professional help and the protection of the system," the statement said.

Milatović also proposed a package of preventive measures, including restricting the use of mobile phones in schools, stronger violence prevention programs, continuous education of teaching staff, working with parents, and strengthening school teams for early recognition of risky behaviors.

Milatović called on the Government, relevant ministries, schools, social work centers, police, prosecutor's office and all institutions that have a legal and moral obligation to protect children, to assume responsibility and take measures within their jurisdiction without delay.

"Every case of peer violence must have a clear institutional response. Every child who suffers violence must know who to turn to. Every parent must know that the system will not remain silent while their child suffers," Milatović's office said.

They announced that Milatović, within his constitutional powers, will insist that the protection of children from violence become one of the state's most important priorities.

"Every child in Montenegro has the right to go to school without fear. The state must show that it knows how to protect that right," the statement concludes.