Increasing violence in schools: Headmasters sound the alarm!

Increasing violence in schools: Headmasters sound the alarm!

There is a serious issue on the table in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: increasing violence in schools. This became clear at the current education ministers' conference of the federal states, which is taking place from June 25th to 27th at Bothmer Castle in Klütz. School leaders and parents are calling for an urgent discussion about this issue, while digital equipment and teacher training are also on the agenda. Ostsee-Zeitung reports on the specific concern that the legalization of cannabis is becoming increasingly taboo among students.

Steffen Kästner, headmaster of the CJD-Christophorusschule, has observed that students in grade 10 and above in particular regularly consume cannabis. He emphasizes that this does not directly affect teaching, but the impact on academic performance is obvious. This topic goes hand in hand with the problem of right-wing extremism, which Felix Wizowsky, chairman of the MV State Student Council, reports on. Events from this direction are already affecting everyday life in schools.

Digital pact and everyday school life

Another topic that will be discussed at the ministerial conference is the Digital Pact 2.0. The first digital pact provided a total of 6.5 billion euros, but Deutsches Schulportal reveals that the funds have now almost been used up. The Digital Pact 2.0 is intended to continue, but falls short of expectations. Many schools, particularly in disadvantaged environments, complain about inadequate technical equipment and the need for ongoing improvement.

According to a June 2023 survey, 50 percent of teachers see a great need for action, while 61 percent report that the digital devices at their location are inadequate. Nevertheless, 69 percent of teachers are convinced that they feel competent in using digital media.

Mental Health and School Psychologists

Another pressing issue is student mental health. The Federal Student Conference is calling for both an improvement in support and a comprehensive regulation for school psychologists: one psychologist for every 300 students and one social worker for every 150 students. This need is underpinned by the results of the 2024 Youth Study, which shows a lack of access to important topics such as psychological distress and stress in schools. DW reports that over 40 percent of teachers notice violence and bullying in schools.

The demand for more staff in the field of school psychology is becoming louder and louder, especially since the after-effects of the corona pandemic are far from over. After a long lockdown, many students have difficulty dealing with stress and conflicts, which is partly attributed to excessive cell phone use.

In conclusion, the challenges facing the educational landscape are complex. Whether it's violence in schools, digital equipment or the mental health of students, it's time for everyone involved - from teachers to parents to politicians - to pull together.