Serbia has taken a major step forward in addressing bullying and peer violence in schools through the successful completion of the country’s first National research on bullying, peer violence, and students' well-being. Conducted from 25 November to 6 December 2024 within the framework of the project „Prevent bullying and peer violence in schools”, the survey represents the largest study of its kind within the Serbian education system in the last decade.

The research engaged over 6000 students, parents, and school staff from 77 elementary and secondary schools across Serbia. Designed using a participatory approach, the survey was developed with input from more than 90 policymakers, professionals, and institutions, ensuring it reflects diverse perspectives. Six tailored research instruments were developed to collect data across key demographics, including younger and older students, parents, and educational professionals and to explore a wide range of topics, from school climate and digital violence to parenting styles and gender-based violence, providing nuanced insights into root causes and consequences of violence as well as students' well-being and safety.

The results of the National research will guide Serbia’s efforts to create safer schools, reduce violence, and enhance student well-being, marking a transformative step in educational policy development. Results will be outlined in a comprehensive report and will serve as a foundation for shaping actionable roadmaps for systemic development of educational policies and interventions aimed at reducing violence and promoting student well-being. Roadmap and recommendation development will be supported through the project during 2025.

This project is implemented by the Council of Europe and funded by Germany. It is carried out in co-operation with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Republic of Serbia from January 2024 to December 2025.