STOP PEER VIOLENCE - IPO MONTENEGRO LECTURES IN SCHOOL

Today the IPO Section Montenegro organized two lectures titled "Friend for a Friend – Stop Peer Violence" in two elementary schools in Rožaje, JU Elementary School "Mustafa Pećanin" and JU Elementary School "25th May, focusing on the prevention of peer violence.

The lectures were conducted by Momčilo Šćekić, Executive Director of IPO Montenegro, and Muamer Matović, Master of Security Studies, who used an interactive approach to address important questions about this societal issue.

The presenters, Momčilo Šćekić and Muamer Matović, discussed various aspects of peer violence (physical, verbal, and psychological) and explained to students how to recognize the signs, report incidents, and support peers who are victims of violence.

The lectures also addressed various causes of this problem, such as family relationships, lack of communication skills among children, and the negative influence of social networks and peer pressure.

The presentations were tailored to the students' age group, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of empathy, support, and open communication. Children actively participated by asking questions and sharing their experiences, showing great interest.

Special attention was given to recognizing signs of violence. In victims, this often includes withdrawal, reduced self-confidence, and unexplained injuries, while perpetrators tend to display aggression, dominance, and a lack of empathy.

The lecturers emphasized the importance of reporting violence to teachers or parents, supporting victims through understanding and friendship, and setting clear boundaries for perpetrators. Students actively engaged in discussions, sharing their experiences and dilemmas, demonstrating that they understand the issue but seek concrete tools for its resolution.

Particular attention was paid to explaining the legal consequences of peer violence, with a clear message that violence is never the solution. Through interactive activities, students were encouraged to be friends to one another and to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect.

School teachers expressed satisfaction with the active participation of students, highlighting the significance of such programs in developing awareness of non-violent communication and mutual support.

The goal of the lectures organized by IPO Montenegro is to raise awareness among students, teachers, and parents about the causes, consequences, and ways to address peer violence.

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