Key findings and recommendations from the “Research on peer violence, cyberbullying and violence in schools in Montenegro” were presented in Podgorica on 23 March. The research was conducted within the project “Prevent bullying and violence in schools in Montenegro”, implemented by the Council of Europe in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, and funded by the Federal Republic of Germany. The study covered 120 primary and 49 secondary schools.

At the opening of the event, participants were addressed by Prof. Dr Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation; Dr Ralf Reusch, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Montenegro; and Lejla Dervišagić, Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica.

In her opening remarks, the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation highlighted Montenegro’s strong commitment to tackling all forms of violence in educational institutions to the greatest possible extent, and a number of significant steps taken so far, including the implementation of the project “Prevent bullying and violence in schools in Montenegro”.  In particular, she remarked that “the research, as part of the project, provides us with data that enable us to take further steps and to place this important issue in focus, ensuring that the safety of children becomes a key priority of our society,” said Jakšić-Stojanović.

Dr Ralf Reusch stated that promoting education and strengthening children’s rights worldwide are key priorities of German foreign and human rights policy. “In line with these objectives, Germany supports the efforts of the Council of Europe to create a safer environment for children and to address the challenges of social media and the digital world. The project “Prevent bullying and violence in schools in Montenegro” represents another important milestone in this ongoing work,” Reusch noted.

Through its work in the field of education, the Council of Europe continuously promotes schools as safe, inclusive and supportive environments for all children. Through numerous programmes and initiatives, primarily led by its Education Department, tools and guidelines are being developed for the prevention of violence, the fight against discrimination and the promotion of mutual respect.

Lejla Dervišagić underlined that every form of violence, particularly violence among children and young people, constitutes a serious violation of fundamental human rights and shared values. “The findings of the research we are presenting today are not merely indicators of the situation in schools or among young people. They reflect a broader social context and the relationships we build as a community. For this reason, it is important not to view them in isolation, but as a basis for thoughtful, systemic and long-term action,” Dervišagić said.

The research aimed to provide a comprehensive and evidence-based insight into the prevalence, forms and dynamics of violence in schools in Montenegro, as well as into the ways in which different stakeholders – students, parents and school staff – perceive, experience and interpret violence.

The main findings and recommendations from the report were presented to participants. The quantitative component of the study included 3,975 primary and secondary school students, 842 of their parents, and 1,025 school staff, amounting to a total of nearly 6,000 respondents. In addition, the qualitative component involved focus groups within these target groups, as well as interviews with representatives of institutions, organisations and experts.

The presentation was followed by a discussion, providing an opportunity for participants to comment on the report and to consider the most effective ways to act in preventing and combating violence, both in schools and across society as a whole.

The event was attended by more than 60 participants, including representatives of relevant ministries and institutions, the diplomatic corps, international and non-governmental organisations, as well as practitioners.