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School nurses in Iceland will begin screening pupils for experiences of violence in October, Health Minister Alma Möller has said.
The programme will initially be offered to children in Years 7 and 9 across the country. It follows a pilot at five schools this spring.
School nurses will begin violence screening in Years 7 and 9
- The national rollout begins in October after a five-school pilot.
- In the pilot, 14% of children said they had experienced violence, including 4% who said it had happened recently.
- Children who disclose violence can be referred for specialist healthcare and trauma support.
A familiar setting for difficult conversations
Möller told RÚV that the screenings would mainly take place through conversations with school nurses. The idea is to use healthcare staff whom pupils can meet in a familiar school setting. She said the programme may later extend to other year groups.
The pilot percentages describe the participating children, not a national estimate of violence against children. Möller said a clear procedure must follow any disclosure so that a child can receive appropriate help.
The screening is one of 25 government measures addressing violence against and among children. Iceland Review previously reported on the action plan to combat violence among children and another recent change affecting Icelandic schools.
Specialist care is being expanded
A multidisciplinary team specialising in violence and trauma involving children began work at Landspítali last winter. A specialist clinic for children opened at the Children’s Hospital in August. Möller said referrals can come from several routes, including the new school screening.
The clinic is expected to move to Bryndísarhlíð when premises there are ready. The government intends to develop the site as a service and knowledge centre for people affected by violence and trauma.
Source: RÚV.
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