Calls Grow for National Response to Youth Violence

Reports of violence and behavioural difficulties among children are increasing in Iceland, with concerns now extending to pupils in primary schools and even kindergartens. As reported by RÚV , experts, educators and community police officers are calling for stronger long-term measures to address the trend. According to Iceland’s national broadcaster, community police regularly visit schools and youth centres to educate children about violence, including abuse that takes place online. What's the Story? Reports of violence and behavioural problems involving children increasing across Iceland Community police education programmes now reaching pupils from fourth grade Calls for a national anti-violence campaign and more specialist support in schools Concerns Over Trends According to police officer Unnur, these educational efforts have expanded in recent years and now reach children as young as those in fourth grade. “We are both educating about what digital violence is and we are teaching them ways to report it and get help.” The issue has become more visible through social media platforms, where videos depicting violence are often widely shared. Speaking to teenagers during educational sessions, Unnur urged young people not to normalise such content. Social media icons on a phone screen. Photo: Rawpixel. Experts say the forms of violence vary by age group. Behavioural specialist Soffía says younger children are more likely to display physical aggression, while psychological and emotional forms of violence become more common among older pupils. A recent report found growing pressure within primary schools, with staff citing increased behavioural challenges, classroom management difficulties and insufficient resources. Soffía argues that schools need greater access to specialists, including psychologists, behavioural consultants and social educators. She also says teachers require better support and safer working environments. “We need to think about the school system more collaboratively and in harmony and in the long term. Fortunately, a lot of good things are happening. There’s a really cool job going on, but we can’t forget about these lost children. We have to be a community to help them, they just didn’t get good cards.” She also highlighted concerns over excessive screen time among some young people and called for a nationwide anti-violence campaign similar to previous public health efforts aimed at reducing youth smoking and alcohol consumption. The post Calls Grow for National Response to Youth Violence appeared first on Iceland Review .