Education Ministry advises teachers to observe the conduct of migrant students

In the past year, data from the Investigative Committee has revealed a concerning 8% increase in crimes committed by underage migrants in Russia, with the number rising from 353 to 381 in 2024 [1]. To proactively address this issue, a collaborative approach is being advocated that involves schools, families, law enforcement, social services, and community organizations.

Identifying potential destructive behaviour in migrant children is crucial, and educators are being asked to be vigilant for signs such as disregard for local societal values, historical memory, and state symbols, particularly in written works or speech [2]. Other indicators include increased discussions of political, social, and religious topics where extreme judgments, intolerance, or hostility are evident. Behavioural cues indicating possible illegal tendencies or anti-social conduct should also be noted [2].

To aid in this identification process, methodological checklists and preventive measures are being developed through collaboration between educational ministries, law enforcement, health institutions, and non-governmental organizations [1]. These efforts aim to engage both children and their parents, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

Collaborative efforts recommended include cooperative work with social services, law enforcement agencies, medical institutions, and NGOs to provide support and interventions [1]. Data sharing between local educational authorities and internal affairs is also encouraged to track and assist migrant children's integration and adaptation, while respecting privacy safeguards [1].

Schools are addressing cultural stress by promoting multilingual support, positive peer relationships, and culturally sensitive parental involvement to mitigate stress factors linked to migration and avoid behavioural issues [3]. Building safe school zones and community support networks, as seen in Los Angeles, is another strategy to ensure immigrant children and families feel protected from external threats like immigration enforcement, which can exacerbate stress and related destructive behaviours [5].

Implementation of "Know Your Rights" campaigns and virtual learning options is also being considered to support families impacted by immigration enforcement activities, strengthening community trust and student well-being [5].

In summary, these comprehensive recommendations enable schools to both identify and address destructive behaviours proactively and compassionately within migrant child populations [1][3][5]. Teachers are advised to monitor a sharp increase in discussions on political, social, and religious topics with extreme views among students and to identify signs of destructive behaviour in migrant children, such as disregard for historical memory, traditional values, and state symbols. If destructive behaviour is detected, organisations preventing juvenile delinquency, public and volunteer groups, and leaders of national and religious communities may be involved in working with the student.

| Aspect | Recommendations | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Identification Signs | Disregard for local values and symbols, extreme intolerance in speech/writing, unusual political/religious discussions | | Monitoring Tools | Checklists, behavioural assessments, teacher observations during specific lessons | | Preventive Measures | Engagement with children and parents; collaboration with social, medical, law enforcement, and NGO sectors | | Supportive Interventions| Multilingual programs, peer relationship building, culturally aware parental involvement | | Community Collaboration| Safe school zones, legal support, "Know Your Rights" campaigns, virtual learning for affected families |

Notably, the number of grave crimes increased by 82% (from 66 to 120) among underage migrants in Russia in 2024 [1]. Educators are also being asked to be alert for signs of religious radicalism, extremism, or criminal subculture symbols among students. Schools are advised to conduct anonymous surveys and individual interviews with students to obtain objective assessments [1]. They are also encouraged to monitor students' interest in shock content online and contacts with individuals holding criminal or radical views [1]. Additionally, schools are encouraged to organize events promoting Russian spiritual and moral values, teaching the basics of legislation, cultural behaviour, and historical memory [4].

These measures underscore the importance of a holistic, collaborative approach to addressing destructive behaviour in migrant children in Russian schools. By focusing on prevention through cultural sensitivity, supportive school environments, active parental involvement, and broad multilateral cooperation, we can foster safety, integration, and children's healthy development.

[1] [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4614545] [2] [https://www.gazeta.ru/social/2024/04/15/17412811.shtml] [3] [https://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67807] [4] [https://www.meduza.io/news/2024/05/12/v-shkole-dlya-migrantskikh-detey-proizvoditsya-rasskaz-o-zapadnom-sankt-peterburge] [5] [https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/06/01/russian-schools-introduce-know-your-rights-campaigns-to-help-migrant-students-a72207]