In response to recent incidents of violence and misconduct within schools, the Minister of Education, Athena Michaelidou, has revealed a seven-point strategy to address the issue.
Following a thorough consultation involving input from various stakeholders, the decisions made are outlined as follows:
- Increased Surveillance and Enhanced Control: High-risk schools will experience heightened security measures, with plans to extend these precautions to additional institutions. The selection process for school security personnel and companies will be reevaluated.
- Advanced Monitoring Systems: The installation of state-of-the-art monitoring systems, including cameras, in schools, will be undertaken in collaboration with the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection.
- Improved Night Lighting: All schools will undergo enhancements in lighting during nighttime hours to bolster safety.
- Extended School Hours: Schools will be open during non-working hours, featuring targeted activities and initiatives in consultation with School Boards.
- Promotion of Prevention Programmes: Specific alternative programs for the prevention and intervention of violence and misconduct within schools will be actively promoted.
- Pedagogical Empowerment: Measures for the pedagogical empowerment of schools will be advocated, aligning with recent decisions made by the Ministerial Council.
- Discussion on Mobile Phone Usage: A discussion will be initiated regarding the use of mobile phones within school premises during working hours.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Police, officials from the Ministry of Social Welfare, and representatives from educational organisations.
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