The Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection – KOMF, strongly appeals to parents and families to take an active role in educating children to live without violence. Violence between children is increasingly appearing openly and is being normalized as behavior. This is a serious alarm that requires immediate action from families, institutions and the entire society, but above all from the family, which remains the environment where children form their values ​​and behaviors.

KOMF calls on parents to talk regularly and openly with children about the phenomenon of violence, its forms, the negative consequences it brings to the lives and mental health of children, as well as to promote and educate their children in constructive and peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. Education for respect, tolerance must begin in the family and be strengthened every day.

Parents need to:

• Spare time for open and honest conversations with children about violence and its consequences.
• Promote and model peaceful behavior in children in relationships with others.
• Monitor and guide the content that children see and share, especially on social media.
• Care for and monitor how children spend their time when parents are not present.
• Seek close cooperation with the school to support the child.
• Seek professional support when children show signs of stress, anxiety or aggressive behavior.

KOMF emphasizes that every child has the right to grow up in a safe and protective environment. Parents or legal guardians are the first line of protection and positive influence in the lives of their children. By talking to children, listening to them, and teaching them constructive and tolerant ways of behaving, we all play a role in preventing violence and creating a safer society for our children.