The institution of the human rights ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina has warned of the increase in peer violence among children, pointing out that this is indicated by the cases received in the Department for monitoring children’s rights, as well as the analysis of media reports.
As they state, any form of violence against children is inadmissible and represents a serious violation of children’s rights. The obligation to act in such cases is prescribed by international documents accepted by BiH, but also by domestic legislation in the field of criminal and family law, social and child protection, education and health.
More than 400 subjects in one year
During the past year, the Department for Monitoring Children’s Rights received 404 cases from various areas of children’s rights. The Institution of Ombudsman reminds that children and adults can turn to that institution for the protection and exercise of children’s rights.
They point out that the number of complaints received, as well as media reports, indicate an increase in violence among peers.
Of particular concern is the practice of filming violence and publishing videos on social networks and portals, which further traumatizes victims and violates their right to privacy, they add. ombudsmen of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Clear rules and preventive programs are needed
In their recommendations to the competent educational and other institutions, the ombudsmen emphasize the need for: establishing clear and precisely defined rules of conduct in schools, strengthening the role of school psychologists and social workers, introducing systemic preventive programs, continuous education of teachers, professional associates, students and parents, and encouraging reporting of violence without fear of stigmatization.
They state that the school is the place where violence is most visible due to the daily interaction of a large number of children, but they warn that part of the violence remains unrecognized, which can have long-term consequences for children’s psychological health and their educational development.
They remind that peer violence implies the intention to cause harm, an unequal power relationship between the perpetrator and the victim, and the repetition of violent behavior or the threat of repeating it.
Changes in a child’s behavior, such as withdrawal, a drop in school performance, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances can be a sign that a child is being abused.
The ombudsman institution called on the entire social community to take a clear stance on zero tolerance towards violence and to respond in a timely and efficient manner to every reported case, it writes. Focus.
