Why lawlessness prevails in Ukrainian schools: the teacher as a scapegoat

A terrible event occurred in Shargorod, which led to the suspicion of a teacher in the murder of two students. This case not only shocked society but also prompted deep reflection on the Ukrainian education system. Educational analyst Ihor Likarchuk highlighted that a culture of impunity has developed in schools, leaving teachers defenseless against aggressively minded students.

Likarchuk emphasizes that in Ukraine today, there are no effective mechanisms for responding to children’s destructive behavior. Teachers have only limited tools, such as a “pedagogical conversation” or consultation with a psychologist. School principals do not have the right to suspend students from studying or expel them, and any attempt to influence the situation can be considered a violation of the “right to education”.

Students quickly realize that they will not be punished, and the most that can happen is a parent meeting. However, many adults stand up for their children, even if their behavior is clearly aggressive. The police and other services rarely intervene, which leads to a deadlock. Likarchuk notes that an atmosphere has been established in Ukrainian schools in which the rules are dictated by those who behave the most aggressively or have “strong parents.”

In such conditions, both students and teachers suffer. One child’s right to education often comes at the expense of others’ rights to a safe learning environment.

The expert also emphasizes the wrong approach when teachers try to become friends or provide services to students. He criticizes the practice when teachers justify this concept through their behavior, such as at school events where they try to entertain students.

To improve the situation, Likarchuk believes that comprehensive changes are needed. First, schools should be given the legislative right to apply sanctions to students and their parents, including suspension from classes or fines. Secondly, it is necessary to increase the authority of the teacher through specific legislative norms. And finally, society must stop perceiving school simply as an entertainment institution and return it to its proper role as an educational institution.