Primary and secondary schools are obliged to intensify communications between pupils, teachers and parents, and reduce the use of cellphones in schools. These are some of recommendations approved by the Government of North Macedonia.

The Ministry of Education emphasizes that these recommendations are mostly aimed to schools, as well as other participants in the functioning of the educative system.

Leadership, teachers and professional services have to answer, discuss and influence on the mental health of the youth, and provide support in overcoming challenges, is emphasized in the Government’s recommendations.

The reaction was prompted by the tragic school shooting in Belgrade a few weeks ago, where nine children and a school guard were killed by a teenager, which led to discussions on youth violence reaching a high level.

The Government of North Macedonia also recommended that primary and secondary schools in the entire country hold meetings with parents, including even local authorities, to avoid violent cases and increase school security.

Parents say that the lack of psychologists in schools is concerning, underlining that more attention is paid to the learning component compared to the educational component.

However, communication experts emphasize that the government’s recommendation to limit the use of cellphones in school premises is hardly enforceable, as smartphones can also be used to further gain knowledge, other than simply lead to added electronic violence between peers.