Podgorica, (MINA) – President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic has proposed the establishment of a binding state mechanism to combat peer violence, through the adoption of a national protocol for handling the cases of physical, psychological, verbal and online peer violence.

Milatovic’s office stated in a press release that the recent incidents warn that peer violence can no longer be viewed as a problem of a single school or family, adding that the state must react immediately, clearly and in an organized manner.

“The protocol must precisely define the responsibilities of schools, social work centers, the police, healthcare institutions, psychological services and competent ministries”, the press release says.

Milatovic also proposes the establishment of an official database of peer violence cases, measures taken and the outcome of actions, with full protection of children’s identities and personal data.

Milatovic also proposed a package of preventive measures, including limiting the use of mobile phones in schools, stronger violence prevention programs, continuous education of teaching staff, work with parents and strengthening of school teams for early identification of risky behaviors.

Milatovic called on the Government, competent ministries, schools, social work centers, the police, the prosecutor’s office and all institutions with a legal and moral obligation to protect children, to assume responsibility without delay and implement measures within their jurisdiction.