THE PHENOMENON OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE AND CRIMINAL LAW MECHANISMS FOR THE PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEES IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Abstract

The phenomenon of school violence is becoming an increasingly prominent issue in contemporary society, despite the existence of well-developed legal mechanisms for the protection of children’s rights. While safeguarding children’s rights remains a legitimate and fundamental goal of modern legal systems, there is a growing need to balance these rights with the protection of other participants in the educational process, particularly school employees. This paper examines various forms of violence within the school environment, analysing both peer violence and violence directed at teaching staff - a form of abuse that continues to receive insufficient attention in both academic and public discourse. Special emphasis is placed on the analysis of the legal framework in the Republic of Serbia, with a focus on criminal law mechanisms aimed at protecting school employees. The paper argues for a more comprehensive and systematic approach to school violence, noting that frequent and sometimes reactive legislative amendments alone are not sufficient. Instead, a deeper institutional and societal transformation is necessary to ensure a safe and dignified educational environment for all stakeholders.