As debates continue following the rise in violence in schools and the attacks in Urfa (Riha) and Maraş (Mereş), Kübra Bülbül, a member of the Child Rights Commission of the Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch, spoke to ANF about the incidents.
The death toll in the attack in Maraş (Mereş) has risen to 10, and the detention of armed students in some schools has sparked widespread public outrage. The Education and Science Workers’ Union (Eğitim-Sen) also announced a two-day strike and launched a “Vigil for Life” in front of the Ministry of National Education.
Schools should be safe spaces, yet children feel pressure
Kübra Bülbül stated that violence in schools does not emerge suddenly, but is the result of long-accumulated structural problems. From a child rights perspective, she noted that this situation is linked to social inequalities and the insufficient protection of children’s fundamental rights.
She emphasized that while schools should be safe, inclusive spaces that support children’s development, many children feel under pressure due to factors such as the economic crisis, family stress, social tensions, discrimination, peer bullying, and the lack of psychosocial support.
Bülbül stated that the failure to meet children’s emotional needs, along with the inadequacy of guidance and psychological counseling services, prevents problems from being identified at an early stage. She said that feelings of anger, anxiety, and exclusion can, over time, turn into violent behavior. She also noted that bullying and threats that begin in digital environments are increasingly spilling over into school life, intensifying conflicts.
She stressed that children are not only individuals in need of protection, but also rights holders whose views must be taken into account, adding that the solution lies not in disciplinary punishments but in developing policies that strengthen children’s right to participation, support teachers, build cooperation with families, and reduce inequalities.
Real security is ensured through a school climate
Kübra Bülbül stressed that security cannot be ensured solely through physical measures, stating that practices such as increasing the number of cameras, employing security personnel, and controlling entrances and exits may have short-term effects but do not address the root of the problem.
She pointed out that for students who feel constantly monitored and under pressure, schools may cease to be safe spaces, adding that the real solution lies in strengthening guidance and psychological support services, preventing peer bullying, supporting teachers, ensuring student participation in decision-making processes, and building cooperation with families.
Bülbül said: “Real security is ensured not only by a guard at the door, but by a school climate where children are respected, heard, and feel a sense of belonging.”
Hopelessness and inequality affect youth
Bülbül stated that growing hopelessness among young people and inequalities in schools are also among the key factors fueling violence. She said that structural issues such as education policies, the economic crisis, shortcomings in guidance services, and language that normalizes violence must be addressed.
She added that reducing the issue to external factors renders the responsibility of public authorities invisible, and emphasized that these structural causes must be confronted in order to find a solution.
Bülbül concluded her remarks by quoting Rakel Dink: “Nothing can be done without questioning the darkness that turns a baby into a killer.”
Leave a Reply