Unfinished buildings and rising bullying: Northern Cyprus schools on the brink of crisis

The Liberal Democratic Movement (LDH), in a statement published on September 10, 2025, drew attention to the alarming situation in schools before the start of the new academic year. According to the organization, students are at risk not only in terms of educational quality but also in terms of their physical and psychological safety.

LDH notes that discussions about education quality are now taking a back seat: the main issue is whether schools can provide protection for children. "We are forced to ask: will schools maintain the physical and psychological integrity of our children?" the statement reads.

Safety issues: incomplete inspections and container classrooms

LDH emphasizes that mandatory seismic inspections in many schools are not completed, and building reinforcements have not been carried out. This is particularly concerning given the possibility of earthquakes. In some cases, students will have to study in container classrooms, whose quality is questionable, especially with the approaching winter rains. "At best, students will have to study in containers with doubtful waterproofing until February," LDH warns.

The statement cites data previously shared by Burak Mavis, Secretary-General of the Cyprus Teachers’ Union (KTÖS): 12% of students and 27% of schools are directly affected by the lack of reinforcements.

According to a survey by the Independent Youth Association (BAGEP), only 8% of students are satisfied with the sanitary conditions of schools, and 29% positively assess the physical condition of the buildings.

Psychological safety — at risk

LDH notes that in addition to physical risks, psychological threats in the educational environment are increasing. The statement recalls alarming cases in recent years: harassment accusations at the Atatürk Teacher Academy and a sexual assault incident in Çanakkale. According to LDH, these events demonstrate serious issues in child protection.

Moreover, according to research by the Cyprus Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOEÖS), incidents of bullying are increasing in middle and high schools, further undermining students’ sense of psychological safety.