Slovak schools face rising cyberbullying and systemic reform challenges

Slovak schools are facing significant challenges regarding student safety and systemic reforms. Data from the IPčko helpline indicates a rise in cyberbullying, with the phenomenon accounting for nearly a quarter of 2,953 contacts related to internet issues. Experts note that online conflicts often migrate from classrooms to mobile devices, involving harmful messages, fake profiles, and the unauthorized sharing of private content.

Simultaneously, the 2026/2027 school year is identified as a critical period for educational reform. Key challenges include the implementation of a new curriculum, digital transformation, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Educators also face severe staffing shortages, including a lack of qualified teachers, psychologists, and support staff, which may impact the quality of the school environment and student mental health.