Student sexually assaulted in Semey: court deliberates over parents' response
Bullying in Schools: Parents Face Consequences in Semey, Abai Region
A court in Kazakhstan recently made a ruling regarding the parents of students involved in a brutal bullying incident in Semey, as our correspondent reports. In February, a chilling video surfaced on social media showcasing a gang of teenagers mercilessly assaulting and humiliating their schoolmate.
The special inter-regional court for juvenile cases in Abai region considered three civil lawsuits against the teenagers following appeals by the Commission for Juvenile Affairs and Protection of their Rights under the Semey Akimat. Decisions were handed down regarding the parents of the assailants.
Three of the six parents whose children were implicated in the incident appealed the commission's decisions. The rest underwent hearings, and decisions were made. One mother was stripped of her parental rights after a lawsuit was granted. Another mother's rights were partially limited due to her long-term inaction in raising her child and her history of alcohol abuse. The father of one girl was not deprived of his rights, but his were restricted due to his consistent inaction and substance abuse.
The court's decisions aimed to protect the rights and interests of minors, ensuring they live in a safe and favorable environment. The girls are now under the care of guardianship authorities.
In another case, a joint motion was filed by the plaintiffs and defendants - the parents of a minor - seeking the application of extraterritorial jurisdiction. The case was transferred to the specialized inter-regional court for juvenile cases in Kostanai region.
Bullying: An Unfolding Epidemic
Bullying incidents across schools are becoming increasingly common, particularly in regions like Semey. Teenagers filmed themselves bullying their classmates, with the videos circulating on social media accompanied by profanity.
The videos showed a group of teenagers, including girls, brutally attacking a schoolboy, some even landing punches to the head. This shocking behavior sparked outrage among viewers, who demanded that those involved be found and punished.
Turning a Page: Preventing and Addressing Bullying
In Kazakhstan, the government has taken measures to combat bullying through recent legislation. These laws hold people accountable for bullying minors, often facing legal consequences. The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Ensuring the Rights of Women and Child Safety increased penalties for offenses against children and tightened laws on crimes involving minors.
The legislation also provides support for victims of bullying, such as legal, psychological, and social assistance. Additionally, parents of victims can expect support from schools and local authorities, including workshops and seminars aimed at raising awareness about the impact of bullying.
Educational programs for parents are encouraged to prevent bullying, but it is essential for parents to be held responsible for their children's actions. The Ministry of Education and other authorities work towards creating a safe learning environment by implementing anti-bullying initiatives and establishing professional foster families for orphans to support overall child welfare.
[1] National Legal Information System: "Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Ensuring the Rights of Women and Children's Safety"[2] "Administrative Liability for Bullying Minors in Kazakhstan" by Perspectives Magazine, April 2021[3] "The Impact of Bullying on Mental Health: A Qualitative Study" by Kazakhstan Medical University Journal, November 2019
In light of the escalating issue of bullying, particularly in regions like Semey, parents of involved children may face legal consequences, as demonstrated in the recent bullying incident in Semey where decisions were made regarding the parents of the culprits. The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Ensuring the Rights of Women and Child Safety, which intensifies penalties for offenses against children, provides a legal framework for accountability, and offers support for victims, such as legal, psychological, and social assistance.
