The Symposium on Violence in Educational Institutions and Its Relationship to the Misuse of Electronic Devices was held on 7 January 2026, with the attendance of Professor Dr Farhad Ali, Vice President for Student Affairs and Education; Dr Amanj Bradosti, Head of the University District; Professor Dr Samir Joudat Bilal, Director General of the Research Centre; Mr Ali Mohiuddin, Director of the Psychological and Social Counselling Centre; along with a number of administrators and university lecturers.
At the opening of the symposium, the Vice President of the University delivered a keynote speech in which he stressed that electronic devices have both positive and negative aspects. While they offer significant benefits, they are often misused in unethical and harmful ways, contributing to the spread of violent behaviour.
He noted that such misuse has become increasingly common and represents a serious threat, particularly through the improper use of social media platforms and smart applications among university students.
He added that Salahaddin University has taken active steps to raise student awareness through academic programmes, specialised training courses, and educational initiatives.
He also praised the continuous efforts of the Kurdistan Region’s security forces in addressing these risks and confronting groups involved in violent activities, highlighting their effective role in maintaining social safety.
During the symposium, two panel discussions were held:
Panel One
Violence in Educational Institutions (Universities)
Panel Moderator:
Mr Avan Fares Ahmed (Lecturer, Salahaddin University – College of Arts)
Panellists:
• Professor Dr Jwan Ismail Bakr
Specialist in Social Psychology (Lecturer, Salahaddin University – College of Arts)
Topic: Violent Behaviour in Universities (Concept, Types, Causes, and Impacts)
• Police Colonel Safin Taher Mohammedamin
Director of the Directorate for Combating Violence Against Women and Families – Erbil
Topic: The Role of Institutions in Confronting Violence
• Dr Jilwan Mohammed Maarouf
Specialist in Special Education (Lecturer, Salahaddin University – College of Education)
Topic: The Role of Universities in Awareness-Raising and Addressing Violence
Panel Two
Misuse of Electronic Devices
Panel Moderator:
Ms Sharmin Wali Ali (Lecturer, Salahaddin University – College of Arts)
Panellists:
• Assistant Professor Dr Heman Mirani
Specialist in Political Science (Director General of the Diwan, Ministry of Interior)
Topic: Policies and Strategies for Combating Electronic Crimes
• Dr Hevi Hassan Ramadan
Specialist in Law (Lecturer, Salahaddin University – College of Law)
Topic: Legal Dimensions of the Misuse of Technology
• Payraw Anwar Saeed
Directorate for Combating Violence Against Women and Families – Erbil
Topic: Data, Statistics, and Recommendations
