Threats and Violence at Sjövik School in Stockholm
Sjöviksskolan, located in Årstaberg in Stockholm, has seen a concerning increase in threats and incidents of violence against staff and students over the past two years. In 2022 and 2023, the school’s staff reported a staggering 166 incidents of threats and violence in the municipality’s notification system, known as KIA. This figure is in stark contrast to comparable primary schools in the same area, which reported between 0-18 incidents during the same period.
The situation reached a critical point in August when a student assaulted a teacher so severely that she had to be rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Emilia Bjuggren, the responsible councilor for the city’s municipal schools, expressed deep concern upon learning about the high number of incidents at Sjövik School. She emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment within all municipal schools and urged for the reporting of all incidents by students, staff, and guardians.
The city’s administration and politicians have also come under scrutiny for their handling of the situation. Andrea Hedin, an opposition councilor, expressed dismay at the lack of communication regarding the incidents. She stressed the importance of regularly monitoring and addressing such issues to ensure a safe learning environment.
E-mails from concerned guardians detailing further abuses at Sjöviksskolan have prompted Bjuggren to demand a tougher approach from the administration. She emphasized the need for rapid and drastic changes to address the situation. When asked if the principal’s responsibility for the work environment and the School Act should be revoked, Bjuggren emphasized the need for support and measures to create a safer environment within the school.
In response to the situation, Bjuggren expressed her concern and reiterated her commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff at Sjöviksskolan. The news of the escalating violence at the school has prompted discussions on how to effectively address and resolve the issues while prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone at the school.