Aggression Among Children: Prevention Measures and a Comprehensive Approach

The increase in aggression among children represents a worrying trend, which is not limited to within the country, but is also observed on an international scale. This was emphasized by Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov in response to a question asked by MP Yavor Haitov from the parliamentary group "Alliance for Rights and Freedoms" during parliamentary control. The question concerned the specific measures taken to counteract antisocial manifestations committed by minors.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that one of the main conclusions reached by the experts is that children exhibiting violent behavior have often been victims or witnesses of violence at an early age. This raises questions about the complex roots of the problem and the need for a comprehensive approach to its resolution.

According to Zafirov, for part of the modern young generation it has become "modern" to be hooligans and not to respect authorities. He emphasized the key role of interpersonal relationships and stressed that children are a mirror of the society in which they live and the environment that surrounds them. This draws attention to the importance of creating a healthy environment that encourages positive behavior and rejects violence in all its forms.

The Central Commission for Combating Antisocial Manifestations by Minors has taken specific actions, including sending instructions for the development of municipal programs aimed at preventing violence. Since the beginning of the year, numerous meetings have been organized at national and regional level, in which chairmen and secretaries of local commissions, social workers and community educators have participated. Various topics related to the introduction of preventive methods to combat the antisocial behavior of children have been discussed, Zafirov further informed.

He added that various campaigns and projects are being carried out at national level, which are aimed at solving this complex problem. During the current year, local commissions have implemented a significant number of municipal programs, campaigns and projects focused on the prevention of violence among children. There is a trend of increase in these practices in the first nine months of next year, which testifies to the growing interest and engagement on the topic. Moreover, many volunteers are also involved in these programs.

Zafirov also stressed that the Commission is a member of the National Council on Narcotic Substances and has actively participated in the development of a national strategy to combat drugs.