...Type of activity: Symposium
Duration: One day (four hours)
Venue: Cultural and Academic Centre / Kocher Birkar Hall
Date: 7 January 2026
The Psychological and Social Counselling Centre organises this symposium.
1. Introduction
In recent years, violence within educational institutions, whether psychological or physical, has increased noticeably. One of the most recent and influential contributing factors to this phenomenon is the rapid spread of electronic devices and social media platforms. The misuse of mobile phones and the internet—such as cyber violence, the circulation of video clips, and the influence of violent electronic games—has become a serious threat to the university environment. This symposium seeks to shed light on this relationship and to propose appropriate solutions.
2. Objectives of the Symposium
The symposium aims to identify the different forms of violence within educational institutions, analyse the role of technology and smart devices in the escalation of violence, raise awareness among academic staff and students about legal and social risks, and present legal mechanisms to reduce this phenomenon.
3. Participants
The symposium brings together academic staff members, heads of departments, administrative staff from relevant units and committees, and students.
4. Programme Schedule
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
09:00–09:15
Registration of participants and welcoming reception
09:15–09:35
Address by the President of the University and opening ceremony
09:35–09:45
Speech by the organising committee outlining the symposium
09:45–10:00
Ms Sozan Arif, Head of the Women’s Empowerment Organisation
Background to the symposium topic
10:00–11:00
First panel: Violence in Educational Institutions
11:00–11:30
Open discussion and coffee break
11:30–12:30
Second panel: Misuse of Electronic Devices
12:30–01:00
Reading of recommendations, distribution of certificates, and closing of the symposium
5. Panel Details
First Panel: Violence in Educational Institutions
This panel focuses on the concept of violence, its forms, and the role of related institutions and universities in addressing it.
Panel Chair: Ms Avan Faris, Lecturer at Salahaddin University–Erbil, College of Arts
Presentations and speakers:
Topic: Violent behaviour within universities (definition, types, causes, and impacts)
Key themes include the concept of violence, its types, consequences, and its social and psychological impact on students.
Speaker: Assistant Professor Dr Jwan Ismail Bakr, Lecturer at Salahaddin University–Erbil, College of Arts
Topic: The role of institutions in combating violence
Key themes focus on institutional efforts to address violence in educational settings in the past, present, and future.
Speaker: Aqeed Safin Tahir Mohammedamin, Director at the Erbil Directorate for Combating Violence against Women and Families
Topic: The role of universities in awareness-raising and confronting violence
Key themes examine the university’s role in community awareness and its response to violence and sexual harassment within universities and on social media platforms.
Speaker: Dr Jilwan Mohammed Maarouf, Lecturer at Salahaddin University–Erbil, College of Education
Second Panel: Misuse of Electronic Devices
This panel addresses security, legal, and practical aspects related to cybercrime and its impact on violence.
Panel Chair: Ms Shermeen, Lecturer at Salahaddin University–Erbil, College of Arts
Presentations and speakers:
Topic: Policies and strategies for combating cybercrime
Key themes include the Ministry of Interior’s policies and strategies to reduce cybercrime and the practical mechanisms used to confront it.
Speaker: Dr Heman Mirani, Director General of the Diwan, Ministry of Interior
Topic: Legal dimensions of the misuse of technology
Key themes focus on legal issues and legislation related to the misuse of social media platforms.
Speaker: Dr Hevi Hassan, Lecturer at Salahaddin University–Erbil, College of Law
Topic: Data, statistics, and recommendations
Key themes include the presentation of data and proposals aimed at reducing cyber violence.
Speaker: Pairaw Anwar Saeed, Erbil Directorate for Combating Violence against Women and Families
6. Expected Outcomes
At the conclusion of the symposium, participants expect to develop practical recommendations, enhance institutional cooperation, and strengthen awareness and preventive strategies to address violence in educational environments.