Bullying and Cyberbullying in schools: let’s focus on prevention!

​Bullying, whether it happens online or in person, has negative effects not only on its targets and those who endure it but also on the individuals engaging in bullying. The objective of this course was indeed to explore strategies and tools that effectively prevent all manifestations of bullying working on the prevention area, with the pourpose of create a collaborative school enviroment.

The new edition of the course “How to prevent bullying and cyberbullying in schools​” took place in Tenerife from 01/10/2023 to 07/10/2023. The participants came from two different European countries, with Kristiāna, Līga and Monta from Babite Secondary school in Latvia and Anthioppi and Mirsini from primary school of Polichnitos in Greece.

We commenced with our introductory session, during which we engaged in a brainstorming session to identify various types of bullying behaviors, such as the different manifestations it can assume, the individuals involved in bullying scenarios, and the key factors that differentiate bullying from ordinary conflicts.
We proceeded to discuss the perspective of the victim, delving into the risk factors that make children susceptible to bullying and exploring strategies to prevent such situations. We examined these aspects from four distinct angles: the family, the school, the individual, and the community.

Cyberbullying stands out as one of the primary and most challenging forms of bullying to eliminate. In today's world, the internet plays a significant role in the lives of our children, and while it can have negative impacts, it also offers some positive aspects. Through practical activities, we delved into the realm of cyberbullying, addressing the distinctions between traditional and online bullying, as well as identifying their commonalities. To foster understanding and empathy for bullying victims, we conducted a powerful activity that can be utilized with students, parents, and educators to raise awareness on this issue.

To prevent bullying behaviors effectively, it's crucial to cultivate a positive and collaborative classroom atmosphere. That's why we delved into subjects such as emotional intelligence, belonging , inclusivity and collaboration. These elements serve as the foundation for a nurturing classroom environment and should be regarded as indispensable.
Naturally, our discussions were complemented by engaging non-formal and creative activities and games!

Discover more about this course here.