Bishkek, Nov. 20, 2025. /Kabar/. Cholpon Akmatova, a representative of the research group on violence and child protection at schools in Kyrgyz Republic, named the most common forms of violence in Kyrgyz schools.
According to her, school racketeering (extortion) is the most criminalized form of school violence. Racketeering manifests itself in the form of domination by a group of older or physically stronger students, who impose "toll" on younger or weaker students and extort money, food, and valuables.
"Since racketeering falls under the 'Extortion' article of the Criminal Code of Kyrgyz Republic, it is the prerogative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, due to hidden nature of the phenomenon and the fear of children, only high-profile cases, often involving serious bodily harm, reach law enforcement agencies," Akmatova noted.
She added that bullying is psychological and physical harassment that occurs in groups and is aimed at dominating, humiliating, and socially isolating the victim:
Verbal aggression—insults, nicknames;
Social isolation—shunning, gossip;
Property damage—intentional damage or destruction of the victim's property;
Physical violence: beatings, pushing.
"Cyberbullying is a relatively new type of violence, in which bullying occurs using online/information platforms," she said.
Akmatova explained that bullies use fake accounts, derogatory social media groups, account hacks, online threats, and spread compromising photos, videos, or gossip that instantly spread throughout the entire school and beyond.
She also noted that violence based on gender stereotypes includes sexualized comments, unwanted touching, and harassment, both from peers and staff. Girls and adolescents are particularly vulnerable.