An open dialogue session for schoolchildren of Lepel town, including those undergoing individual preventive work, was held at Secondary School No. 1 in Lepel.


The topic of the discussion was "Yesterday – a prank. Today – responsibility. What about tomorrow?". Alcoholism, theft, embezzlement, hooliganism, traffic violations, insults… This is far from a complete list of topics raised by representatives of competent authorities.
The first to address the students was Tatyana Chesnokova, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission for Juvenile Affairs (KDN), who spoke about the state of juvenile crime in our district. Thus, the students learned that over 12 months of 2023, 173 cases were considered at KDN meetings, of which 102 cases were considered concerning 64 children. Moreover, some students were considered at KDN meetings repeatedly. Over 3 months of 2024, 45 cases were considered, 32 of which were concerning minors. As of April 1, 38 minors are registered with the Juvenile Affairs Inspectorate (IDN). During the conversation, Tatyana Nikolaevna reminded about the responsibility of minors for offences, familiarised them with the list of the most common offences committed by teenagers in our district, and urged schoolchildren to observe safety rules.
Then, Karina Grishkevich, Senior Assistant Prosecutor of Lepel District, spoke about offences and crimes committed by minors, as well as destructive behaviour among minors.
In particular, Karina Viktorovna explained in language understandable to young people about criminal and administrative liability, legal and personal safety. She focused on real crimes for which a court can impose a sentence of imprisonment, including those related to the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Alexander Pototsky, Deputy Head of the Lepel District Department of the Investigative Committee, spoke about the consequences of offences and crimes committed by minors. The topic of crimes against sexual inviolability of minors was also touched upon. Teenagers were explained from what age criminal liability arises and what penalties are applied for committing crimes. Issues of student behaviour at school and in public places, respectful and respectful conduct were also discussed.correct attitude towards adults and peers. The discussion was based on specific examples and facts.
The head of the IDN of Lepel District, Anatoly Burmistrov, spoke about the involvement of teenagers in illegal drug trafficking, and about the whereabouts and behavior of minors in public places.
-- ...Teenagers regularly receive offers to become drug distributors, i.e., dealers. It is very important to learn to say no and not to give in to negative temptations. Get involved in sports and other useful, interesting activities, -- Anatoly Mikhailovich emphasized, and also explained the responsibility provided for in the Republic of Belarus for committing acts of an extremist nature, violating the order of organizing mass events and rallies, and disseminating information of an extremist nature via the Internet.
The speakers also drew the students' attention to the consequences of drinking alcoholic, low-alcohol beverages or beer in public places. And urged them to be more responsible for their lives, to think before agreeing to anything.
-- From what age can a teenager be sent to a special institution? – a question came from the audience.
-- Minors in need of special educational conditions, aged eleven to eighteen, are placed in special educational institutions, -- replied Tatyana Nikolaevna.
-- Until what time can minors be out on the street?
-- Minors under the age of 16 cannot be outside their homes without adult supervision between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM, -- explained Anatoly Burmistrov.
— What if I listen to music and don't know it's extremist?
-- Ignorance of the law does not exempt from responsibility. The Ministry of Information website has a republican list of extremist materials, -- added Anatoly Burmistrov.
***
As the experts noted, children like this format much more than regular performances. Here they can be not just listeners, but also participants in the conversation. Why for middle and high school students? Because at this age, teenagers already have their own vision of the situation and it is important for them to express themselves. In addition, it is from this age that children most often come to the attention of the police.
Natalia Khrapovitskaya. "Lepel Krai" Newspaper