On the eve of August 12, International Youth Day, a debate was held at Villa Biljana in Ohrid on the topic: “Peer Violence and Vandalism: Youth, Schools and the Digital Space”, organized by the Youth Council within the Cabinet of the President.
The discussion focused on the prevention and protection from peer violence, the impact of the digital space, mental health, the role of schools and professional services, as well as the need for a coordinated institutional response.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova believes that young people are not only the future, but also the present, and their active participation in society is a prerequisite for better understanding, timely prevention and resolution of problems related to violence.
For her, real, not virtual, socializing, direct, not digital communication have irreplaceable value, while love, respect and a culture of peace are taught from an early age.
According to the Minister of Education and Science, Vesna Janevska, problems must be solved in the present, with a stronger focus on prevention, a safe school environment and the readiness of teaching staff to recognize new forms of aggression. She said that changing the mentality is a long process in which all social actors must participate.
Vladimir Karaev, President of “Rubikon”, which practices the “forum theater” technique, warned of the influence of passive witnesses, pointing out that violence gains strength when there is an audience. He called for zero tolerance and proactivity, i.e. encouraging young people to react.
Youth activist Selma from Struga spoke about peer violence motivated by ethnicity and the need for early education in the spirit of mutual respect, with a message that differences should be a challenge to learn from each other, not a reason for divisions.
Student and youth activist Angela, stressing the importance of personal responsibility in building peer relationships, said that social networks do not fully reflect reality, so digital communication often leaves room for misinterpretation.
Panelists and participants in the debate agreed that the difficult battle with peer violence is won with timely recognition and appropriate response. Everyone agrees that young people are not only the future, but also the present, therefore we must build a culture of peace.
