Education ministry issues guide on preventing and responding to in-school violence

Nicosia, Cyprus. The education ministry on Tuesday released a guide outlining policies, circulars and protocols for the prevention and response to in-school violence, which has been sent to all schools across the country.

Guide developed and distributed to schools

The ministry said the guide was developed by its Safe School Team to inform and support the work of schools.

Instructions for school committees

Schools have been asked to brief members of their health education and in-school violence prevention committees about the guide and to use it as a tool for preventing and managing incidents of violence and delinquency.

Eight sections covering different forms of violence and risk

The guide organises the ministry’s policies, circulars and protocols into eight sections: school violence, family violence, school bullying, sexual abuse, racist behaviour, crisis management, addictions and juvenile offenders.

Ongoing measures and online availability

The ministry said it will continue to plan and implement measures to strengthen and support school units, enhance the prevention and management of all forms of school violence, and promote safe schools. The guide is also available electronically on the ministry’s website.

How will your school use the new guide to prevent and manage incidents of violence and delinquency?