Berlin releases first school violence study as education officials prepare next steps

Berlin’s education administration has presented the first results of a scientific survey on violence and conflict in the city’s schools, a development officials say will shape future prevention and intervention policy.

The study, called the Berlin Conflict and Violence Barometer, was developed with researchers from the University of Bielefeld, the University of Wuppertal and the Allensbach Institute. Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch of the Christian Democrats is expected to present the findings alongside the researchers.

The barometer looks at violence, bullying, threats and discrimination in Berlin schools. According to the education administration, it is meant to provide a solid empirical basis for identifying causes, challenges and areas where action is needed.

What the study covers

The survey includes responses from students and teachers in Berlin. Earlier reporting said the project began with a student survey in the autumn of 2025, with teachers to be included later.

The education administration says the results should help make clear where conflicts arise in everyday school life and why they do so. Officials want to use the findings to derive prevention and intervention measures.

Why it matters

School violence has been a persistent political issue in Berlin, where debates over bullying, threats and discrimination have continued for years. The new study gives policymakers a first scientific baseline for a topic that has often been discussed anecdotally.

The findings are expected to influence future school policy and prevention work in the city. They may also feed into a broader discussion about whether additional intervention or enforcement measures are needed.

What comes next

The education administration plans to publish and explain the results publicly. Reactions from political parties, schools and education groups are likely to follow.

At this stage, the sources do not give detailed figures on the size of the problem or identify which school types or age groups are most affected. Those details remain part of the next round of reporting around the study’s release.