Nicusor Dan emphasizes that Romania needs safer schools, teachers who are supported and trained to intervene, and genuine access to psychological counseling, as well as measures to protect minors when they are online.
In a message posted on the X platform on Thursday, he points out that there have been two serious incidents in schools in less than a week, "two signals that we can no longer afford to ignore.'', agerpres reports.
''In recent years, we have made progress in understanding and combating bullying. But rules and laws, absolutely necessary, are not enough if they are not applied in everyday life. We need more attention to what happens between children, intervention at the first signs, and concern for the causes of violence, not just for the consequences that can be devastating. The trust relationship between teachers, parents, and children matters enormously. An open dialogue, trust, and the willingness to take seriously what children tell us can make the difference before things reach a point of no return,'' the President says.
According to him, homeroom teachers, school counselors, and all teaching staff have an essential role in recognizing and reporting these behaviors. He also remarks the online aggressiveness.
''Equally important is for students to know that they can ask for help and that they will be listened to, without fear of reprisals or subsequent victimization. Our children are growing up today between two worlds, the real one and the virtual one. For many of them, the boundary between them barely exists anymore. Violence, harassment, and aggression are no longer just in the schoolyard, but also on the screens they look at daily. Every child has the right to learn in a safe environment, to be protected from violence, and to receive support when they need it. These rights must be respected both in the real world and in the online environment. Children's safety in the online environment must concern us, and solutions are needed that arise from the dialogue between authorities, specialists, teachers, parents, and students,'' the President added.
