Psychologist warns of copycat violence risks in Turkish schools

Psychologist Çağatay Demirel, a researcher at Atlas University, has issued warnings regarding the risk of ‘copycat violence’ and social contagion following recent violent incidents in Turkish schools, including locations in Manisa, Başakşehir, and Esenyurt.

Demirel explains that social contagion allows behaviors or emotions to spread from person to person, often without direct contact. He notes that while most children do not turn to violence after seeing news reports, individuals who feel marginalized or invisible may view violent acts as a way to be heard. He emphasizes that the risk is most concentrated among already vulnerable populations.

To mitigate these risks, Demirel calls for increased cooperation between the media, schools, and families. Key recommendations include avoiding the glorification of perpetrators in news coverage, identifying early warning signs in students—such as physical symptoms like headaches or school avoidance—and strengthening protective guidance mechanisms within educational institutions.