We, the representatives of the Polish Union of Education, make an urgent appeal for responsibility for the word, respect for other people and the abandonment of actions and messages that may lead to the radicalization of attitudes and behaviors of young people.

School does not function in isolation from social reality. Young people observe adults, listen to their statements, follow public debates and social media. They learn not only from textbooks, but also from how people in power, journalists, commentators and opinion leaders relate to other people, resolve conflicts and react to different views.

We cannot expect respect, dialogue and responsibility from young people if adults themselves too often set an example of aggression, contempt, exclusion and consent to hatred.

We are concerned about phenomena that may foster the growth of hostility, deepening polarization and radicalization of attitudes among young people.

Public humiliation of opponents, the language of dehumanization, sowing prejudice and fueling fears for short-term political or media benefits create a climate in which aggression becomes an acceptable form of expressing views.

It is also worrying that aggressive behaviors, verbal violence and demonstrative disregard for the rules of social coexistence can be presented as a sign of strength, courage or independence. In such conditions, young people, in search of their own identity, belonging and recognition, become particularly vulnerable to manipulation, radical narratives and group pressure.

We must not underestimate these threats. Nor must we shift all the responsibility to schools, teachers and parents if, at the same time, the public space provides young people with models based on conflict, contempt and consent to aggression.

That is why we appeal

To politicians – to refrain from statements and actions that deepen social divisions, stigmatize certain groups or legitimize aggression. To conduct disputes in a responsible manner, based on arguments, respect for human dignity and awareness that publicly spoken words have a real impact on the attitudes of the young generation.

To representatives of the media and people shaping public opinion – for reliability, moderation and special responsibility for the way social conflicts are presented. To give up sensationalism and messages that normalize verbal violence, strengthen prejudices or use young people to build reach and evoke extreme emotions.

To public figures, opinion leaders and online creators – to reflect on the consequences of their own statements and published content. Not to promote aggressive behavior, not to spread hatred and not to present humiliation of others as a reason to be proud. Popularity and social influence should also mean readiness to take responsibility for influencing young audiences.

To all participants in the public debate – to reject the belief that the end justifies the means. Criticism is necessary in a democratic society, and a difference of opinion does not deprive anyone of the right to respect and security.

The school needs support, and young people need responsible role models

Every day, teachers make an effort to teach young people to think independently, to recognize manipulations, to resolve conflicts, to respect differences and to be responsible for their own decisions. However, education for democracy, dialogue and peaceful coexistence cannot remain the task of the school alone.

We call for support for teachers and parents in recognizing signals of radicalization, counteracting peer violence, responding to hate speech and building youth resilience to manipulation and disinformation. Preventive, educational and educational activities are necessary, carried out in cooperation with schools, families, public institutions and social organizations.

Our Common Duty

We appeal to all those who have an impact on the formation of opinions and attitudes: let's stop the spiral of hostility before it becomes an everyday occurrence for young people. Let's not fuel the emotions that divide them. Let's not reward aggression with attention and popularity. Let's not use young people to pursue short-term interests.

Responsibility for the future of the young generation is not the sole responsibility of teachers or parents. It is a common obligation of the whole society.

Today, we need less contempt and more respect. Less divisions and more responsibility. In the name of the good of young people, social security and the future of a democratic society, we call for an end to actions that promote the radicalization of young people and for the joint building of a culture of dialogue, responsibility and respect for the dignity of every human being.

Warsaw, October 15, 2026

We would like to thank those who signed the Appeal.

Supervisory Board of Polish Union of Education