The State School Inspection (ŠŠI) identifies the presence of attitudes and patterns of behavior in the school environmentwhich they represent a risk factor for the emergence of radicalization. This mainly concerns tolerance of violence as a solution to problems, consent to limiting the rights of certain groups, or manifestations of a low level of inclusiveness. ŠŠI spokeswoman Katarína Matejková stated this for TASR.
Inspectors have long-term monitoring of the school climate, relationships and attitudes of students, which represent important indicators of risks related to radicalization. “Part of the pupils experience a lack of feeling of safety and well-being in schools, increased psychological burden, stress or anxiety. At the same time, we are registering relatively widespread manifestations of bullying, verbal belittling and, in some cases, humiliating behavior. Loneliness and social isolation of some pupils is also an important factor,” spokeswoman zoomed in.
As she pointed out, these experiences are shown to be closely connected with a higher degree of acceptance of exclusionary, authoritarian and violent attitudes. ŠŠI considers the weaknesses of the system to be mainly insufficient systematic strengthening of a safe and supportive school environment, reserves in the area of building relationships and an inclusive school culture, as well as the limited capacities of schools for early identification and professional solutions to the psychological burden of pupils. She also identified the need to strengthen the competence of schools in the field of working with values, critical thinking and prevention of extremism as an important aspect.
The inspection sees the upcoming legislation aimed at preventing radicalization and protecting children in the online space as a necessary step. At the same time, she pointed out that the effectiveness of the legislation will depend on the connection with the practice of schools – especially on the support of preventive programs, the availability of professional capacities (school psychologists, social pedagogues), the systematic education of teachers and the strengthening of cooperation between schools, families and other institutions.
The school plays a key role not only in education, but also in protecting children and shaping their attitudes. Therefore, ŠŠI considers the strengthening of safety, justice, respectful relationships and student participation as a fundamental prerequisite for effective prevention of radicalization with long-term social impact.
