Analysis of personnel decisions aimed at preventing destructive behaviour among adolescents in secondary vocational education organisations

Introduction. The study of conditions and pedagogical resources for preventing destructive behaviour among adolescents is a crucial area within social pedagogy and psychology. Destructive behaviour is defined as persistent conduct that deviates from key social norms, causes tangible harm to both the individual and society, manifests in various forms such as deviation, aggression, and extremism, and demands particular attention from education specialists, alongside the implementation of preventative measures within the adolescent environment. Aim. The present study aimed to analyse staffing decisions in secondary vocational education (SVE) institutions that ensure an effective preventive influence on the behaviour of at-risk adolescents. Methodology and research methods . The study is based on an analysis of the results of a survey of heads of SVE institutions, conducted in March–April 2026. A total of 1,288 respondents from 76 constituent entities of the Russian Federation participated in the survey. Results. Based on data obtained from a survey of SVE institution heads, it was found that the risk of destructive behaviour among adolescents is present in more than 55% of institutions and manifests as deviant, conflictual, and aggressive behaviour in students. In the process of preventing destructive behaviour, the primary professional responsibility lies with educational psychologists, who work alongside specialists from various fields (social pedagogues, class teachers, tutors, vocational training instructors, inspectors, legal advisers, directors’ advisers on educational work, etc.). These professionals provide supportive functions such as counselling, mediation, and involvement in educational activities. Positive preventive expectations expressed by SVE institution heads are linked to the introduction of roles such as “methodologist for support”, “career guidance coordinator”, and “coordinator for interaction with employers”. The beneficial impact of these staffing decisions is reflected in their influence on the psychological climate and the promotion of socially responsible behaviour among adolescents, as reported by 34–45% of respondents. Scientific novelty . The scientific novelty of these findings lies in providing up-to-date information on the expectations of institutional leaders regarding the design of preventive systems for destructive behaviour among adolescents. This has been achieved through staffing decisions and the introduction of new roles within the staffing structures of SVE institutions. Practical significance. The practical significance of this study is that its results can serve as a foundation for designing the staffing structures of SVE institutions, based on analyses of the educational potential of new positions and their anticipated impact on the effectiveness of preventing destructive behaviour among adolescents.

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