Crime prevention has long been a focus at IES Jönköping, where 857 students, 45 languages and many cultures come together under one roof. The school works with social service authorities and the police to identify children who are at risk of committing crime. Police have reported cases of children under the age of ten being drawn into criminal networks in the municipality of Jönköping – the youngest child known to the police is an 8-year-old.
Teachers play an important role in identifying and addressing risk behaviours at the school, but so do all the other staff, such as special education teachers, counsellors and student health services.
“One element of prevention is about creating healthy norms and good habits. This includes informing students and parents about the importance of promoting physical activity, getting enough sleep, eating healthily and limiting screen time – but of course also emphasising respect for other people and cultures, laws and society,” says Mr Stevens.
“We deal with a lot of cultural aspects here at the school. This is mainly a strength. Students and teachers get to know each other and gain knowledge and understanding of different cultures and backgrounds. This creates trust and safe groups,” adds Cathrine Nilsson, also an assistant principal.
Creating good role models
The school believes that providing students with good adult role models and liaising with parents is crucial to success in preventing crime. Jönköping municipality’s mobile collaboration group, RSG, plays a key role in this. The group is tasked with increasing outreach social work with young individuals who are at increased risk of committing crime and substance abuse. Their work is needs-driven in vulnerable neighbourhoods where there aren’t many clubs to join or meaningful activities for young people.
One of these field workers is Sonny Karlsson, a well-known football profile in the municipality and a youth consultant in Öxnehaga, an area with major socio-economic issues. He is also a familiar face in the corridors of IES Jönköping.
“It is important to build a relationship with both parents and students, and to monitor students throughout the day in and outside of school. Due to my own background, with family roots in Bosnia and growing up in a tough environment in Biskopsgården in Gothenburg, many parents feel they can open up and discuss concerns about their children with me without feeling ashamed.
“I have also got many young people interested in football, which, like other sports, can be a lifeline – as it was for me. When we succeed in breaking a dangerous cycle for a young person, it is a huge reward for me and everyone else working with us,” says Sonny Karlsson.