A MULTI-TIER MODEL OF SCHOOL SAFETY IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

Abstract

A safe educational environment in secondary schools is a prerequisite for high-quality instruction, personal development and the mental well-being of both students and staff. In contemporary conditions, school safety can no longer be conceptualised solely through physical protection and socio-emotional climate, but must also explicitly include the digital and cyber dimension. Recent research highlights that digital transformation in education significantly increases exposure to cyber threats, disinformation and hybrid risks, which directly affect school institutions as part of the public sector. This contribution situates school safety theoretically across the physical, socio-emotional and digital dimensions, explains the legislative framework in the Slovak Republic (SR) and the Republic of Poland (PL), and synthesises key empirical findings from domestic and international research. On the basis of this evidence, we propose a three-tier implementation model of interventions that integrates educational, organisational and cybersecurity measures and presents a practical framework for secondary school practice.