Slovak School Inspectorate Identifies Radicalization Risks in Schools

Slovakia's State School Inspectorate (ŠŠI) has sounded an alarm, identifying concerning attitudes and behaviors within the school system that create fertile ground for radicalization. The inspectorate's findings point to a disturbing trend where tolerance for violence, acceptance of rights restrictions for certain groups, and a lack of inclusivity are becoming normalized, posing a significant risk to students.

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Part of the students experiences a lack of safety and well-being at school, increased psychological burden, stress or anxiety.

According to ŠŠI spokesperson Katarína Matejková, a considerable number of students experience a lack of safety and well-being at school, leading to increased psychological burden, stress, and anxiety. The prevalence of bullying, verbal abuse, and humiliating behavior, coupled with feelings of loneliness and social isolation among some students, creates an environment where exclusionary, authoritarian, and violent ideologies can take root more easily.

The inspectorate has pinpointed systemic weaknesses, including insufficient efforts to foster secure and supportive school climates, shortcomings in building positive relationships and inclusive school cultures, and limited capacity for schools to effectively identify and address students' psychological distress. There is a clear need to enhance educators' skills in value-based education, critical thinking, and extremism prevention.

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We also register quite widespread manifestations of bullying, verbal denigration and in some cases even humiliating behavior. Loneliness and social isolation of a part of the students is also a significant factor.

While the ŠŠI views upcoming legislation on preventing radicalization and protecting children online as a necessary step, its effectiveness hinges on practical implementation. This includes robust support for preventive programs, ensuring access to qualified professionals like school psychologists and social pedagogues, continuous teacher training, and strengthening collaboration between schools, families, and other institutions. The school's role in shaping attitudes and ensuring a safe, just, and respectful environment is paramount in preventing radicalization and fostering long-term societal well-being.

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The inspectorate considers the weaknesses of the system primarily to be the insufficient systematic strengthening of a safe and supportive school environment, reserves in building relationships and inclusive school culture, as well as limited capacities of schools to timely identify and professionally address the psychological burden of students.