Parents Held Responsible for School Violence in Italy
In a landmark ruling in Tuscany, Italy, parents have been held accountable for their children's violent actions in schools, marking a significant shift in legal responsibility. In two recent cases, parents were ordered to pay substantial damages to the families of injured students, highlighting the court's stance on parental responsibility in fostering a safe educational environment.
In one case, a girl at a high school in Pistoia pushed another student down the stairs, resulting in a serious head injury. The court ruled that the girl's parents failed to provide adequate education regarding respect and civil coexistence, leading to their obligation to compensate the injured student's family with 85,000 euros. The ruling emphasized that parents must ensure their children are raised with an understanding of appropriate behavior and respect for others. Furthermore, the court found the school partially liable for the incident due to a lack of supervision during the event.
Similarly, in Florence, another case involved a boy who suffered fractures after being pushed by a peer during a soccer match. The court mandated the bully's parents to pay 22,000 euros in damages, reinforcing the notion that parental supervision and education are crucial in preventing school violence.
Student Injured in Scissors Attack in France
In a separate incident, a high school student in Bourg-en-Bresse, Ain, was injured on November 25 when another student attacked him with scissors during a classroom argument. The 15-year-old victim sustained a minor throat injury but is reported to be in stable condition. The assailant was arrested following the incident at Edgar Quinet high school, which serves approximately 1,300 students. This event raises concerns about safety and violence in schools, echoing the recent legal developments in Italy regarding parental responsibility for children's actions.
Both incidents underscore the urgent need for effective measures to address school violence and the role of parents and educational institutions in ensuring student safety.
