A total of 510 incidents of violence were reported by 98 schools across Cyprus during the 2024–2025 school year, according to the first report compiled by the Group for School Safety on the levels of school violence.
The findings show that verbal and physical violence were the most frequently recorded forms, while a notable increase was observed in cases of cyberbullying.
Distribution of incidents by education level
According to the report, incidents of violence vary across educational levels, with the highest prevalence recorded in high schools.
In response to a circular sent to schools on the issue, 37 primary schools representing 10.85% of all primary schools reported 108 incidents. In secondary general education, 49 schools representing 42.24% of all schools reported 328 incidents.
In secondary technical and vocational education and training, 10 schools representing 66.66% of all schools reported 72 incidents. In preschool education, two schools representing 0.74% of all schools reported two incidents.
Causes linked to social and family factors
The report combines quantitative data on teachers’ knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards school violence with qualitative findings from the Educational Psychology Service.
According to the qualitative analysis, the main causes of violence in schools are associated with family difficulties, social isolation and challenges related to school integration.
First annual report under new legal obligation
The report was prepared for the first time as part of the legal obligation of the Group for School Safety to monitor the phenomenon of school violence and reflects the current situation in Cyprus’s schools.
Its findings underline that the timely adoption of measures, cooperation among stakeholders and the continuous evaluation of policies are necessary conditions for a meaningful reduction in incidents.
The report is based on the systematic collection and analysis of data available to the Safe School Team during the 2024–2025 school year and aims to support evidence based policy recommendations to the Safe School Coordinating Committee and the National Advisory Committee on School Violence.
Recommendations for prevention and monitoring
Among the key recommendations are strengthening teacher training in conflict management and the identification of early warning signs of violence, the establishment of systematic prevention mechanisms within schools and the expansion of cooperation with parents and local communities.
The report also proposes upgrading the electronic reporting tool to improve the timely and accurate recording of incidents, as well as expanding intervention based prevention programmes to support schools.
Data limitations and next report
The report notes several limitations, including differences in the way incidents are recorded, the relatively low participation of schools and the subjective nature of reporting certain incidents.
Dr Elena Hatzikakou, Director of the Pedagogical Institute and Chair of the Group for School Safety, told CNA that the report was prepared using data from the 2024–2025 school year because the relevant amending law was adopted during that period.
She added that the Ministry of Education seeks the cooperation of schools in recording incidents of violence and delinquency in order to respond more effectively to existing needs.
According to Hatzikakou, the next annual report is expected to be ready by the beginning of the upcoming school year.
Source: CNA.