Press statement on peer violence in Primary School “Sonja Marinković” in Subotica
On the occasion of another unfortunate event - the instance of peer violence that took place in the Primary School “Sonja Marinković” in Subotica, in which one child sustained severe physical injuries, we are expressing our concern due to a growing number of peer violence cases occurring in educational institutions.
According to the information the Provincial Secretariat for Education, Regulations, Administration and National Minorities - National Communities received from the proceeding education inspector of the City of Subotica -City Administration, the school has taken all the necessary measures stipulated in the General Protocol for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and Special Protocol for the Prevention of Child and Student Violence, Abuse and Neglect in Educational Institutions.
Furthermore, a meeting of the Panel of Primary and Secondary School Principals was held in Subotica, who focused on analysing the situation in the schools of Subotica when it comes to peer violence. The meeting was concluded by stating that it would be necessary, in the following period, to indicate possible reasons and consequences of peer violence more frequently - to both, children and parents. It is also very important to inform parents about the contents characterised as digital violence, to which many children are exposed in social networks, which often lead to such unfortunate events.
In the meeting, Deputy Head of Police Administration in Subotica called schools to intensify their cooperation that could bring benefits to all- children, parents and institutions. Referring to the specific case that took place in the Primary School “Sonja Marinković” in Subotica, the Deputy said all responsible institutions were informed about the case and acted in accordance with their competences.
The Provincial Secretariat for Education, Regulations, Administration and National Minorities-National Communities hereby expresses regret about the consequences of that unfortunate event and appeals to all educational institutions to fully adhere, in their acting, to provisions of the protocol for the prevention of violence and to support preventive measures of the responsible authorities regarding peer violence.