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Russian Official Warns of Rising Student Aggression Amid Psychological Pressures

A surge in teen aggression exposes deeper mental health struggles. Can new monitoring systems and anonymous chats turn the tide before it's too late?

The image shows a poster with the text "School Speed Limit 25 When Children Are Present" written in...
The image shows a poster with the text "School Speed Limit 25 When Children Are Present" written in bold, black lettering against a white background. The poster is likely meant to remind children of the importance of school speed limits when children are present.

Russian Official Warns of Rising Student Aggression Amid Psychological Pressures

Nizhny Novgorod Region's Education Minister Mikhail Puchkov has spoken out about rising incidents of student aggression in Russian schools. He highlighted the psychological pressures facing teenagers today, including information overload and exposure to harmful online content. According to Puchkov, early intervention is key to preventing such behavior from escalating.

Puchkov stressed that adults must remain vigilant for warning signs in students. Sudden shifts in behavior, declining grades, changes in appearance, frequent arguments, or skipping classes could all signal deeper problems. He also noted that systemic issues—not just security measures—play a major role in these incidents.

The region has introduced new tools to address the problem. An automated system will now track student absences, helping schools spot potential risks before they worsen. Additionally, an anonymous online chat for psychological support has already handled nearly 300 inquiries since its launch.

To guide school staff, the region has developed specific methods for psychologists to identify and manage at-risk students. Puchkov also called for stricter security, including metal detectors and reviews of entry teams. However, he made clear that technology alone cannot replace adult involvement in reducing psychological burdens.

Structured routines, controlled screen time, open conversations, and emotional support were all recommended as ways to ease the pressures on teenagers. No public data exists on how school violence or mental health cases in Nizhny Novgorod have changed over the past five years.

The region's response includes new monitoring systems, psychological support channels, and updated guidelines for school staff. Puchkov's comments underline the need for both security upgrades and proactive adult engagement. Schools are now expected to implement these measures in the coming months.

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