Lithuania proposes 12 measures to curb violence among minors

Lithuania’s Ministry of Social Security and Labour presented 12 proposed measures to address violent behaviour by minors and violence among children at a government meeting on Wednesday, LRT reported.

Social Security and Labour Minister Inga Ruginienė said the aim was to identify gaps in the current response and prevent incidents such as assaults and bullying among schoolchildren from recurring. The measures were agreed jointly, and most are expected to be implemented by the end of the year.

One of the proposals is to establish a unified response algorithm for violence against children and violence among children. A simple version of the procedure would be prepared for schools and children’s day centres. The public would also receive more information about how to report violence.

Child-friendly information would be developed explaining how institutions respond to violence or other inappropriate behaviour, how to report it, how children can receive help and how their safety is ensured.

The government meeting also discussed regulating the use of mobile phones and other smart devices in schools, including an assessment of whether the rules should be tightened. Another proposal would establish a clearer duty for healthcare institutions to inform the responsible authorities about possible violence or a significant risk to a child.

The measures also include updating recommendations on violence prevention and crisis management in schools, reviewing provisions of the Education Law, assessing the availability of remote psychological assistance for children and revising a draft amendment to the Law on the Minimum and Medium Care of Children.

The government also plans to assess the resources of the Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics, regulate more clearly the publication of images showing violence against children, review the labelling of content intended for or easily accessible to minors, and prepare practical guidance for the media on reporting such cases ethically.

Access to the Multidimensional Family Therapy Programme is also expected to be expanded so that it is available in all Lithuanian municipalities.

The Ministry of Social Security and Labour will monitor implementation of the plan. Most measures are scheduled for completion by the end of this year, with some expected to be implemented in early 2027.

The measures follow several high-profile cases this summer. In mid-July, a minor girl was assaulted by peers in Poetry Park in Marijampolė. People nearby watched and filmed the incident, and a recording showing violence against the girl spread on social media that same evening.

Other reported cases involved minors being assaulted and mocked by other minors in Vilnius District and Šiauliai, with the incidents filmed and shared on social media.