Kavadarci, 4 May 2023 (MIA) - About 25-30 percent of high school students commit some type of peer violence according to a 2022 analysis by North Macedonia's non-governmental sector, Lazar Nanev, President of the Kavadarci Basic Court and chair of the National Council for Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency, tells MIA.

"According to the worrisome analysis, as many as 14 percent of children confirm they have been victims of peer violence or bullying for a long period of time," says Nanev.

The problem with peer violence is long-standing and especially relevant after Wednesday's school shooting in Serbia, including the information that the juvenile murderer has been a victim of peer violence.

"Peer violence is a topic that has lately been discussed by lawyers, psychologists, educators and the non-government sector. This type of violence occurs as a result of distortion of societal values. Firstly, verbal and physical peer violence was though ridicule, now it also includes physical violence with threats and though social media. Peer violence, if not recognized and stopped, lasts until the victim comes forward with an appropriate reaction. Sometimes, that reaction can be as serious as the bullying. That is why it is necessary to act preventively with families and schools, timely recognize peer violence and react," he notes.

Nanev adds that victims of peer violence most often feel threatened, ashamed, and withdraw. Very often, peer violence will not be recognized until the problem has crossed the red line.

A strategic approach must be taken in order to solve the issue. Professionals should implement educational programs. Staff at schools must quickly and efficiently recognize peer violence and act accordingly, and parents need to pay more attention to how their children behave in schools, Nanev stresses. ssh/ik/

Photo: MIA archive