The police in Montenegro are actively seeking the owner of a social media profile linked to a controversial video that depicts students engaged in what appears to be a violent altercation. This incident, categorized as a case of digital violence, reportedly involved the misuse of artificial intelligence to manipulate images of the students. The video, which included derogatory remarks, was posted online and has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of young individuals.
The troubling content surfaced in an educational institution, prompting a parent of one of the affected students to report the matter to authorities. The parent, who wishes to remain anonymous due to the minors involved, expressed deep concern over the impact of the video on their child, who has been subjected to bullying as a result of its circulation.
According to the police, the prosecutor has indicated that the case contains elements of a criminal offense. Consequently, the police department’s high-tech crime unit has been instructed to identify the profile owner responsible for the video. The parent shared, “We received confirmation from the police that they are working on identifying the profile owner.”
Despite the active police investigation, the parent expressed dissatisfaction with the response from the educational institution. While they noted that the class teacher had spoken with students who denied involvement, the parent criticized the school director’s lack of initiative to reach out. The parent recounted their surprise upon learning that teachers were also victims of cyberbullying, and they were reporting these incidents without any significant outcomes.
The school administration has stated that it is following proper protocols and has notified the relevant authorities about the situation. They indicated they would wait for official updates from law enforcement before taking further action. The parent remains apprehensive, stating, “I feel the school’s response has been unprofessional and disheartening.”
In light of this incident, the Ministry of Education, which developed a handbook on handling cases of bullying and vandalism two years ago, emphasizes the immediate need to ensure the safety of all students. The guidelines stipulate that incidents of violence should be addressed promptly, including conversations with students involved. If the situation escalates, reports are to be made to the police.
The parent expressed disappointment over the lack of professional support from the educational institution for both themselves and their child, stating, “I have not received any professional assistance from the school; I will seek help privately.”
This case is not isolated; there have been previous reports of digital violence affecting students. In one notable instance, a girl was targeted on social media with threats of abduction, accompanied by alarming and vulgar content. This situation underscores the pressing issue of cyberbullying and its implications for mental health and safety among young people.
Montenegro ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2006, committing to protect children from all forms of violence, including digital abuse. This includes ensuring their right to a safe environment, privacy, and protection from harmful content.
In recent months, various ministries have organized workshops in educational settings, engaging parents and children alike to foster a safe and responsible digital landscape. During discussions on digital violence, officials acknowledged the numerous challenges and the need for the legal system to adapt to evolving threats. Bojan Božović, the Minister of Justice, highlighted that many young individuals do not report online abuse due to fear of judgment, a lack of trust in institutions, or simply not knowing the procedures available.
In response to these ongoing concerns, Slađana Kaluđerović, a member of parliament, has proposed legislation aimed at banning digital platforms for children under the age of 13. This proposal is currently under parliamentary review, and a roundtable discussion recently took place at the Science and Technology Park to gather various viewpoints on this initiative. While some participants voiced skepticism about the practical application of such a law, there was a consensus on the urgent need for measures that protect children from digital threats.
As the investigation continues, the case highlights the critical importance of addressing digital violence within educational institutions and the broader community, ensuring that children can navigate the digital world safely and securely.
