The fight against juvenile delinquency is a priority for the government, which will not stand idly by and allow the phenomenon to spread, said Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Sofia Zacharaki in an interview with Athens-Macedonian news agency published on Sunday.
She stressed that violence in schools and juvenile delinquency, which can lead to crime, are high on the government’s agenda and recognized that the post-Covid period had brought out unprecedented behavior, particularly among teenagers.
Asked about the government’s measures to combat juvenile delinquency, which is increasing both globally and in Greece, Zacharaki said it was imperative to clearly define crime, delinquency and violence in schools and noted that the problem in Greece was mainly centered around sports and school. violence.
“For us, as a state, there is no complacency. The fight against juvenile delinquency is a national matter and we will not sit idly by letting this phenomenon spread,” she stressed, adding that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had taken a personal interest in this issue.
She outlined the steps being taken, inside and outside of schools, to address the issues while highlighting the important role played by experts and civil society, as well as local government.
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“This phenomenon requires immediate action and we will not deal with it in a bureaucratic manner,” she said, while adding that all political parties must be involved and that the goal is “a society that welcomes the child , so she feels there is protection and parents know there can be advice and guidance from experts.
Zacharaki said recent arrest figures from the Hellenic Police showed an alarming trend, with violence between minors having now become an almost daily phenomenon and acknowledged that isolation during Covid lockdowns had played a role in this phenomenon, delaying socializing children and breaking down relationships and bonds within their families. families.
She stressed the need to adopt good practices from abroad and encourage actions aimed at strengthening the institution of the family and contributing to the integration of juvenile delinquents into society.
The minister also highlighted the scourge of bullying in schools, saying victims of bullying must be encouraged to speak out and report it and that schools must help defuse violence and encourage empathy and volunteerism among students. children.
Regarding the future, the government official expressed confidence that, with the Prime Minister having raised this issue to the national level, the cooperation of all parties will be able to bring tangible results in terms of prevention, strengthening of childhood and social integration of minors who are delinquent.
SOURCE; ANA-MPA
