The Council of Europe Education Department in cooperation with the Programme Office in Podgorica organised a panel discussion entitled “The Role of Young People in Preventing Violence” on 23 June at Europe House. The event brought together representatives of institutions, civil society organisations and the youth sector to discuss the role of young people in preventing peer violence, online violence and violence in school settings.

The opening session featured remarks by Lejla Dervišagić, Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica, Dominika Skubida from the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Svetlana Drobnjak from the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, and Branko Stešević from the Ministry of Sports and Youth. Key findings of the “Research on Peer Violence, Online Violence and Violence in Schools in Montenegro” were presented.

Opening the event, Ms Dervišagić stressed that young people should not be viewed solely as victims or potential perpetrators of violence, but as important partners in its prevention.

“When we talk about violence, young people are often seen as those who need protection or those towards whom measures should be directed. At the Council of Europe, we believe that you are much more than that. You are partners, allies and agents of change. It is you who best understand the challenges you face at school, online and in everyday life.”

The central part of the event was an interactive discussion and young participants had the opportunity to openly discuss the causes of violence, the challenges they face in schools and in the digital environment, as well as existing protection and support mechanisms. Particular attention was given to identifying concrete measures that could contribute to creating a safer and more supportive environment for children and young people.

The conclusions and recommendations emerging from the panel will contribute to future activities and initiatives aimed at preventing violence and strengthening youth participation in decision-making processes, in line with the objectives of the Council of Europe’s work in the fields of education and the protection of the rights of children and young people.

The panel was organised within the framework of the projects “Preventing bullying and violence in schools in Montenegro”, funded by Germany, and “Quality education for all – Montenegro”, implemented under the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”. These initiatives contribute to advancing the priorities of the Council of Europe’s Education Department in promoting democratic culture, human rights and safe school environments for all children and young people.