site.btaCommittee on Direct Participation of Citizens Launches National Campaign for Overcoming Child Aggression

The Committee on Direct Participation of Citizens, Citizens' Complaints and Interaction with Civil Society has launched a national campaign to investigate and address the causes of aggression among children, the Committee said in a press release Thursday. The proposal was made by Committee Chairperson Rositsa Kirova.

The occasion is the latest case from Vidin Municipality, where a 13-year-old boy inflicted moderate bodily harm on a 12-year-old boy.

Kirova noted that the problem has existed in Bulgarian society for many years, and its solution has been long overdue, but lack of action will not solve it. She said a national campaign against aggression could help offer steps to tackle violence. "Aggression and bullying exist. They are there from primary to secondary education. The causes most often lie in children's broken communication with parents, teachers and peers. In the lack of basic values and good role models. In some this triggers depression, in others aggression," Kirova said. She expressed confidence that meetings between professionals and children in informal settings, as well as between head teachers and school principals, can help. She also suggested that head teachers register cases of aggression between children and inform parents.

During the debate in the parliamentary committee, the idea was discussed to hold meetings in all regional cities between teachers, school principals, mayors, representatives of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, and the Child Protection Agency.

Kirova noted that solving the problem starts with talking first - in the family and in society. She added that legal mechanisms must be found so that adolescents with aggressive relapses do not feel impunity.

The schedule and participants of the first discussions will be announced at future committee meetings.