Russian schools face rising student aggression—why safety starts with empathy

Nizhny Novgorod Region's Education Minister Mikhail Puchkov has spoken out about rising student aggression in Russian schools. He stressed that ensuring safety requires more than just security tools—it demands a supportive environment where children feel seen and heard.

Puchkov also highlighted the psychological pressures facing today's teenagers, from information overload to exposure to harmful behaviours.

Puchkov acknowledged that current safety measures, such as metal detectors, are not foolproof but should still be properly maintained. He warned that no single solution can guarantee full protection, calling for broader preventive strategies.

The minister emphasised the importance of spotting early warning signs in students. Sudden shifts in behaviour, declining grades, changes in appearance, frequent conflicts, or skipping classes could signal deeper issues like depression or self-harm. Recognising these patterns, he argued, is a responsibility shared by both schools and families.

To improve oversight, an automated system for tracking student absences is now being introduced. Puchkov also urged adults to ease psychological burdens on young people. Structured routines, filtered online content, monitored screen time, and open conversations were all recommended as ways to provide better support.

Despite these steps, Puchkov admitted that existing efforts still fall short of fully addressing the problem. He insisted that real safety comes from creating an environment where every child receives help before tensions escalate.

The region's schools are taking steps to strengthen prevention, including new absence-monitoring systems. Puchkov's comments underscore the need for both security measures and proactive psychological support.

Without comprehensive data, however, the full impact of recent initiatives—such as the psychology today online service—remains unclear.