In August 2026, Ukraine implemented significant changes to the response system for violence and bullying incidents in educational institutions. The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) of Ukraine approved an updated procedure designed to replace fragmented measures with a unified, transparent system that protects children's rights. The key innovation is the creation of a single commission to review incidents, as well as the ability to report violations anonymously.
Unified Commission: Centralizing Responsibility
According to the updated rules, schools and other educational institutions have abolished the practice of using two separate response mechanisms. Instead, a single commission has been introduced, empowered to review all cases of violence, abuse, and bullying. This change aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure a comprehensive approach to solving the problem. The commission not only records facts but also assesses circumstances, determines the needs of the victimized child, and organizes necessary psychological and social support.
Clear Criteria: What Constitutes Systematic Violence
The new rules establish a clear list of actions qualifying as violence, which should exclude subjective interpretation of incidents. Special attention is paid to the criterion of systematicity: violence is now considered systematic if it occurs twice or more within a 12-month period. This allows schools and law enforcement agencies to respond more quickly to repeated cases of bullying without waiting for the conflict to escalate. It is important to note that the fact of bullying is legally established only by a court; the task of the school commission is to gather evidence and ensure the child's protection during the investigation stage.
Strengthening Children's Rights and Anonymity
The updated procedures significantly expand the rights of children during the review of violence cases. A child now has the right to be heard personally during the case review, with the participation of parents being mandatory (or their written consent for absence). Furthermore, the presence of a psychologist or social pedagogue must be ensured during interviews, guaranteeing the child's psychological safety. To simplify the process of reporting violations, various communication channels have been introduced: email, telephone lines, and special suggestion boxes in educational institutions. This allows for anonymous reporting of bullying cases, reducing the fear of potential reprisals from aggressors.
Integration into the General Education Reform
Changes in the bullying response procedure are part of a broader educational reform being conducted by the MES under martial law conditions. In August 2026, the Ministry also approved a new system for assessing the learning results of students in grades 1–9, indicating a desire to create a more humane and effective educational environment. The document underwent public discussions involving the Office of the Education Ombudsman, the public organization "SOS Fathers," and the National Police, confirming its legitimacy and the consideration of all stakeholders' opinions.
