The Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Montenegro in Nikšić hosted a panel discussion dedicated to recognising and preventing peer violence, promoting inclusive education, and fostering a culture of non-violence. Through discussions with representatives of the academic community, experts, a representative of the Basic Court in Nikšić, local government and various professional fields, primary and secondary school pupils, as well as university students, important questions were explored concerning the boundaries between joking and violence, an individual’s responsibility, and society’s role in creating a safe and supportive environment for all.

The panel discussion, entitled “Where Does a Joke End and Violence Begin?”, was organised to mark Inclusion Day in Montenegro, with the aim of encouraging dialogue and understanding, and as a joint action in preventing peer violence, discrimination, and social exclusion. The event brought together nearly 70 participants.

Welcoming the participants, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Prof. Dr Dijana Vučković, emphasised the importance of creating a safe environment and fostering a democratic culture within families, educational institutions, and society as a whole. She highlighted the significant role that an institution’s culture and ethos can play in preventing undesirable behaviour and building relationships based on respect, trust, and mutual understanding.

Mr Miloš Bošković, Senior Project Officer at the Council of Europe, spoke about the importance of institutional cooperation and strengthening the research base for improving policies in this field. He presented the cooperation with the Faculty of Philosophy and the Memorandum on the provision of a database collected through national research on peer violence, online violence, and school violence. Access to this data provides valuable support for further research and the development of evidence-based public policies.  

Mr Siniša Bjeković, Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro, highlighted the challenges in protecting the rights of children and young people, emphasising the importance of timely and effective institutional responses to violence. Other discussions focused on the influence of family and digital environments on harmful behaviour, the implementation of school protocols, access to psychological support, and the prevention of discrimination and social exclusion. Participants stressed that effective violence prevention requires cooperation among families, schools, institutions, and the wider community, including recognising when jokes become hurtful or exclusionary.

The event was organised within the framework of two projects: the joint European Union and Council of Europe project “Quality Education for All”, implemented under the programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, and the project “Prevent bullying and violence in schools in Montenegro”, implemented with financial support from Germany. Both projects contribute to improving educational environments and strengthening systems for preventing peer violence and protecting children.