**Title: Teacher Testifies About Stylianos Constantinou's Troubling Behavior in Court**
A nursery school teacher testified in the Nicosia district court on Thursday regarding the concerning behavior of Stylianos Constantinou, a 14-year-old boy who tragically died by suicide in September 2019. The teacher, who had Stylianos in her class during the 2009-10 school year, expressed her deep concern about his violent and self-destructive tendencies, which she believed were indicative of a troubling home environment.
During her testimony, the teacher recounted her initial impressions of Stylianos, stating that he exhibited alarming behaviors even before the age of five. She recalled a particularly alarming incident where Stylianos brought a knife to school, threatening both his classmates and the teacher herself. “I reacted immediately and took the knife from him before he had realized the severity of what he had done,” she explained, noting that Stylianos seemed to treat the situation as a game, despite its dangerous nature.
The teacher described Stylianos as a “very sweet and cute child” who transformed into “a completely different child” when angered. She observed that his aggressive behavior often disrupted the classroom environment, recalling instances where he climbed onto the roof of a sandpit and hung from classroom curtains. “He was dangerous for the other children in the school and for himself,” she stated.
The testimony also highlighted concerns regarding Stylianos’ home life. The teacher mentioned that she had been informed by educational psychologists about allegations of violence involving his mother’s husband. Reports of child protection concerns had already reached the police, indicating a serious situation at home. The teacher noted that Stylianos’ mother appeared to be financially dependent on her husband, which may have hindered her ability to leave the relationship.
Despite these troubling signs, there were moments of normalcy in Stylianos’ life. The teacher recalled a family celebration on Stylianos’ name day, where he brought photos and crafts to school the following day, indicating that not all aspects of his home life were negative.
Throughout her testimony, the teacher pointed out that Stylianos’ vocabulary reflected the turmoil he experienced at home, with phrases such as “I will shoot you” and “I will beat you with the belt” becoming part of his speech. Although Stylianos never directly disclosed any abuse, references made during sessions with educational psychologists raised concerns about his well-being.
The teacher also discussed the involvement of Stylianos’ parents in his education. She noted that while his mother was frequently present at school and aware of his behavioral issues, his father was rarely seen, attending only a few school events throughout the year. The father’s distance from the school community raised further concerns about his engagement in Stylianos’ life.
In an effort to address Stylianos’ escalating aggression, the teacher formally reported her concerns to school authorities on October 9, 2009, requesting an assessment and support for the child. An educational psychologist later confirmed the necessity for an evaluation. However, the teacher expressed frustration that her request for a school assistant to help manage Stylianos’ behavior was denied.
As Stylianos’ behavior continued to deteriorate, the teacher described increasingly concerning actions, including hitting his head against walls, pulling his hair, and pricking his hand with pins. These alarming behaviors prompted the teacher to fear for his safety and well-being.
The court hearing is part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Stylianos’ death, examining potential abuse and neglect within his family. The case also seeks to determine whether social welfare services adequately responded to the warning signs leading up to the tragedy. The hearing is set to continue on Friday with the cross-examination of the witness, as the court seeks to uncover the full context of Stylianos’ life and the factors that may have contributed to his untimely death.