Elnara Akimova, a member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, told Modern.az that whenever such incidents come to the agenda, the role of school management is questioned first.
“If the principal, deputy principal, class teacher, and psychologist were unaware of what happened, to what extent is this professionalism? If they were aware and did not take action, who should bear the responsibility? In fact, the issue is not just about incidents in a few schools. It is about the safety of the educational environment, the psychological health of children, and the formation of the future generation. A school is not just a building where lessons are taught. A school is a child's first serious point of contact with society. If fear, pressure, humiliation, and violence prevail in that environment, then the main purpose of education is jeopardized.”
According to the deputy, linking systematic bullying in schools solely to student behavior is not the right approach, and the management of educational institutions is obliged to create a healthy moral and psychological environment.
“In this regard, the views expressed in recent days, especially the calls to increase the legal responsibility of school management, are not accidental. Society rightly believes that systematic bullying in schools cannot be explained solely by the behavior of students. Because the management of every educational institution is obliged to create a healthy moral and psychological environment in the school.”
E. Akimova believes that the solution to the problem lies not only in tightening penalties but also in the more effective functioning of existing mechanisms:
“The Law on Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan recognizes the right of students to education in a safe environment and defines the duties of educational institutions and their leaders. If continuous violence occurs in school, students are insulted, beaten, subjected to social isolation, and no action is taken despite the management being aware of it, then, of course, the issue of responsibility should come to the agenda. This responsibility should not only be administrative but also receive a more serious legal assessment in cases of dereliction of duty.”
The deputy also emphasized that it would not be right to place all responsibility solely on school management.
“School is a part of society, and the influence of family, social environment, the internet, and social networks is also significant here. Sometimes a teacher or principal takes steps to prevent the problem, but the lack of cooperation from families or other factors complicates the process. Therefore, a balanced approach must be maintained in legislation.”
Jeyhun Mammadov, a member of the Science and Education Committee, stated that the increase in bullying and violence in schools in recent years has become a serious public problem.
“Unfortunately, violence and bullying in schools are increasing recently. It seems that this problem will begin to take on a more global character. This is a serious problem facing us today and should concern us. Because this is not an ordinary matter. Changes in society, the transformation of values, and other processes have a serious impact on this issue.”
The deputy believes that the responsibility of school management and psychologists should be increased, and changes should be made in legislation for this purpose.
“In such cases, a great responsibility falls on principals, deputy principals, leaders, and psychologists, and I think this responsibility should be increased. There is a need to make changes to the legislation in this direction. We must strengthen both the responsibility and the powers of the people holding this position so that we can regulate the process.”
C. Mammadov added that in addition to legal mechanisms, strengthening awareness-raising activities is also important.
“The second, very important aspect of the issue is awareness and propaganda work. We must definitely go for this. If we don't do this, a more difficult and complex period awaits us in the future. Therefore, we must start now.”
