Authorities in Montenegro are investigating a troubling incident of cyberbullying involving students at an educational institution. A video surfaced on social media, reportedly using artificial intelligence to manipulate images of students engaged in violent behavior, accompanied by derogatory comments. This case raises serious legal implications, as it has been deemed to contain elements of criminal responsibility.
The concerning video has since been removed from the platform, but not before drawing significant attention. A parent of one of the victims informed the media outlet Pobjeda about the situation, expressing deep concern for their child’s well-being. The parent reported that upon discovering the video, they promptly filed a complaint with the Police Directorate, highlighting the emotional toll on their child who faced harassment from peers due to the uploaded content.
According to the parent, the police have indicated that the prosecutor recognizes potential criminal implications in this case. As a result, they have instructed the high-tech crime unit to identify the owner of the social media profile responsible for disseminating the video. The parent stated, “We have been advised to wait and see if they can successfully identify the profile owner.”
While the parent expressed satisfaction with the class teacher’s prompt communication with students, they criticized the school administration’s response. “I had to reach out to the school director myself. I was surprised to learn that even teachers are victims of cyberbullying and are reporting incidents without seeing results,” the parent remarked. This sentiment underscores the need for a more effective administrative response to such serious matters.
The school’s official statement indicated that they have notified the relevant authorities in accordance with their protocols. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety and interests of all students while awaiting further information from law enforcement. The school administration stated they would implement all necessary disciplinary measures once the facts are established.
In response to rising incidents of bullying, including digital violence, the Ministry of Education developed a handbook two years ago outlining procedures for addressing peer violence and vandalism. The guidelines stipulate immediate action to safeguard children, with conversations held between students and, if necessary, reporting to the police. The protocol also includes mandatory discussions with parents regarding the steps taken.
Despite these measures, the parent expressed disappointment over the lack of professional support provided by the school for both their child and themselves, stating they would seek private counseling instead.
The issue of digital violence is not new to the public. Previous reports highlighted cases where students faced severe online harassment, including threats of kidnapping and exposure to harmful content. Montenegro ratified the Child Rights Convention in 2006, committing to protect children from all forms of violence, including cyberbullying, while ensuring their right to a safe environment.
In recent months, the Ministry of Education has organized workshops in educational institutions, engaging parents to foster a secure and responsible digital environment for children. Discussions about digital violence have revealed various challenges, with Minister of Justice Bojan Božović noting that many young people hesitate to report online abuse due to fear of judgment and a lack of trust in institutions.
Additionally, Slađana Kaluđerović, a member of parliament, proposed legislation to ban digital platforms for children under the age of 13. This proposal is currently under parliamentary review, with discussions ongoing about its feasibility and potential enhancements. The law aims to provide a safety net for children navigating the complexities of digital interactions.
As investigations continue and the school prepares to take further action, the community remains vigilant in addressing the pressing issue of cyberbullying, advocating for a safer, more supportive environment for all students.
