# Resistance to Patriotic Education Grows Among Russian Parents and Teachers

Amid escalating state-sponsored patriotic education in Russia, anti-war parents and educators are finding creative ways to shield children from nationalistic messaging, pushing back against pervasive propaganda.

In the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a growing number of parents and teachers are increasingly concerned about the influence of state-mandated patriotic education in schools. This concern has led some families to adopt unconventional methods to counter the pervasive messaging related to the war.

Many parents are resorting to creating fake school schedules to distract from patriotic education classes, while others are opting for homeschooling altogether. Individuals like Varvara, a 42-year-old mother from St. Petersburg, express that they feel trapped in a game of cat-and-mouse with the educational system. Varvara highlights troubling activities she perceives as supporting the government's war narrative, including music contests focusing on military songs and school trips featuring pro-war speakers.

The push for patriotic education began in early 2022 under President Vladimir Putin, who aimed to instill national pride and loyalty amidst the ongoing conflict. Initially perceived as a limited initiative, critics now acknowledge the widespread adoption of these teachings in schools across Russia, leading many parents to fear that their children are being indoctrinated.

In response to these challenges, educators and families are engaging in concerted efforts to foster critical thinking and independent viewpoints among their students. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain, raising questions about the long-term implications for youth in Russia amid a climate of increasing state propaganda.