Peer Violence Prevention in Croatia: Implementing Mental Health Literacy in Schools

Issue/problem

Peer violence is a major public health challenge in Croatia, with significant long-term impacts on adolescent mental health. Data reveals that schools are the primary sites of conflict (60%), with urban areas reporting the highest incidence. Beyond physical injuries, victims face severe psychological distress, including anxiety and depression.

Description of the problem

We analyzed 111 reported cases of violence in 2025 to identify risk patterns and institutional shortcomings. The objectives were to map the types of violence and evaluate the effectiveness of school-based responses. Key questions included: Which age groups are most at risk? How do gender dynamics influence aggression? Why do 23% of cases remain unaddressed? The study used a multi-method analysis of official school and health system reports, focusing on critical transition periods (1st, 7th, and 8th grades).

Results

Results indicate that 80% of perpetrators are male, while physical violence (33%) remains the dominant form, increasingly intertwined with cyberbullying. A significant finding is the “normalization” of violence, as 21% of victims showed no visible immediate consequences despite psychological trauma. In response, innovative preventive programs were implemented in elementary schools, focusing on strengthening socio-emotional skills and mental health literacy. These interventions reached both students and professional associates, resulting in improved early detection of risks and a structured approach to conflict resolution.

Lessons

Passive pedagogical talk is insufficient; 23% of schools initially failed to react, highlighting the need for national intervention standards. The implementation of mental health literacy programs proved innovative by empowering school staff to recognize “hidden” psychological symptoms. Integrating socio-emotional learning into the curriculum, rather than treating violence as a disciplinary issue alone, creates a more resilient public health framework.

Key messages

• Effective prevention of peer violence requires a shift from reactive disciplinary measures to proactive mental health literacy and socio-emotional learning within the school curriculum.

• Systemic gaps in institutional responses and the rising trend of cyberbullying necessitate standardized national protocols and training for school staff to recognize hidden psychological trauma.