Newsroom
A nationwide report on school safety has revealed that 510 incidents of violence were documented across Cyprus during the 2024–2025 academic year. The data was submitted by 98 schools, representing just over 13% of all schools, but offering a first structured snapshot of the issue across all education levels and districts.
The findings come from the Safe School Team’s first annual report, which was compiled following a new legal requirement for systematic monitoring of school violence. Despite limited participation, the report provides valuable insight into patterns, causes, and responses to incidents in Cypriot schools.
Where and how violence occurs
The majority of incidents were recorded in secondary education, particularly in lower secondary schools (gymnasiums), where violence appears most prevalent. Primary schools reported fewer cases, while preschool settings recorded only minimal incidents.
In terms of type, physical violence was the most frequently reported, followed closely by verbal abuse. Cases ranged from fights and aggressive behavior to insults, threats, and bullying. Cyberbullying, while less frequent overall, showed signs of increasing.
Most incidents occurred within school premises, especially in playgrounds and classrooms. A smaller number took place online, during school trips, or in other off-campus settings. In nearly all cases, those involved were students from the same school.
Patterns and contributing factors
The report says that school violence cannot be viewed in isolation. Instead, it reflects social and behavioral trends among young people in Cyprus. Factors such as family challenges, social exclusion, and difficulties adapting to the school environment are frequently linked to aggressive or disruptive behavior.
The growing influence of social media is also identified as a contributing factor, particularly in shaping behaviors driven by the pursuit of attention and approval through likes and views.
Data from counseling services further supports these findings, showing that verbal aggression is the most widespread form of conflict among students. Boys tend to be more involved in physical and overt forms of violence, while girls are slightly more associated with relational forms, such as social exclusion.
Racist incidents and cases involving sexual misconduct were also recorded, though in smaller numbers. Notably, over 500 students were either involved in or affected by racist behavior, with differences in appearance, nationality, or personal characteristics often triggering such incidents.
Gaps in early intervention
One key concern raised in the report is that some behavioral issues are not identified early enough, particularly during primary education. As a result, students may carry unresolved difficulties into secondary school, where problems can intensify.
However, the report also points to positive outcomes when early support is provided. Schools where teachers take on a mentoring role tend to see reduced levels of problematic behavior and better overall student outcomes.
Recommendations for improvement
To address the issue more effectively, the report proposes a series of measures. These include strengthening teacher training in conflict management, improving early detection of warning signs, and introducing more structured prevention strategies across schools.
There is also a strong emphasis on collaboration—both within the education system and with families and local communities. Expanding support services and improving coordination between schools and external agencies are seen as essential steps.
Additionally, the report calls for better data collection systems to ensure more accurate and timely reporting of incidents in the future.
Limitations and future outlook
Because this is the first year schools were asked to systematically record incidents, the data is not considered fully representative of the overall situation. Participation was relatively low, and reporting practices varied between schools.
Even so, the findings underline that school violence remains a significant and complex issue. The Ministry of Education has already begun implementing measures based on the report, including new guidance for schools, training initiatives, and the creation of dedicated support structures.
The report will now be produced annually, with the next edition expected by the end of 2026. Authorities hope that improved participation and more consistent data collection will lead to a clearer understanding of the problem and more effective solutions.
