Mental Health of Adolescents: Conference at 6th High School of Athens

A conference on "Mental Health of Adolescents and Juvenile Delinquency" was held at the 6th High School of Athens. The Director of the Institute of Child Health, Dr. Giorgos Nikolaidis, presented a comprehensive view of violence to and from children in the school context.

Dr. Nikolaidis emphasized that the school community is often a place of victimization and delinquency. Children may experience violence from peers, become bullies or victims of bullying, or transfer domestic violence to school. School violence is linked to the broader culture of social relations, the functioning of institutions, and the values promoted in the public sphere.

According to data from EUROSTAT (2012-2021) and the Hellenic Police (2010-2024), the number of minors recorded as suspects or perpetrators of crimes in Greece remains relatively stable. Research by EПIΨY (EKPA) on behalf of the World Health Organization (1998-2022) shows that the involvement of minors as perpetrators of bullying remains stable.

Although indicators do not show an outbreak, experts observe that adolescent violence is taking on different characteristics, with greater cruelty and emotional detachment. The Institute of Child Health proposes a comprehensive framework for action, based on the principles of children's rights, with emphasis on prevention, protection, prosecution of perpetrators, provision of services, interdisciplinary cooperation and the participation of children.