Discovering how to create a supportive classroom to prevent bullying and cyber-bullying

Bullying is a problem that affects all school levels and it is often difficult to recognize it, because it occurs far from the adults’ sight. However, this course allows us to recognize the characteristics of a bullying behaviour and learn how to prevent and stop it.
The new edition of the course “How to stop bullying and cyber bullying in schools and promote social emotional learning​” took place in Palermo from 11/09/2022 to 17/09/2022. The participants came from two different countries of Europe, with Sylwia, Patrycja and Adam from Szkoła Podstawowa nr 1 w Tanowie in Poland; and Herwig and Chris from Gemeentelijke Basisschool
Kortrijk and School voor buitengewoon onderwijs Sancta Maria in Belgium.

​We started with our introduction day where we brainstormed all the characteristics of bullying behaviours, all the differents roles involved and the forms it can take.
We moved on talking about the risk factors that lead children to be bullied or to bully others and, at the same time about the factors that can help to prevent these situations. We looked at this topic from four different perspectives: the family environment, the school environment, the individual situation and community environment. 

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The second day of this training course was focused on learning what a conflict is and how to manage it. In order to build a positive classroom environment, teachers should know the best strategy to use to handle a conflict in a specific situation. Through different activities, we also discussed about the opportunities that can arise form a conflict, if we understand how to learn from it.
Thanks to the sharing of ideas, we looked at the best practices to use when facing a bullying behaviour and how to integrate them in the school antybullying programs.

​One of the main and most difficult types of bullying to recognize is cyber-bullying. Nowadays Internet has a major role in the lives of our kids and may have a negative impact on them. With some practical activities we explored the world of internet and cyber-bullying. We also discussed about the differences between traditional and cyber bullying and about the things that they have in common. To understand and put ourselves in the shoes of bullying victims we implemented a very useful activity which can be used both with students, parents and teachers to raise awareness. 

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In order to prevent bullying behaviours it is vital to foster a supportive classrom. We looked at this topic form two different perspectives: membership and social emotional learning. These are pillars for a supportive classroom and should not be underestimated. They should be included in every school program, indeed.
​We discussed about this with a lot of non formal and creative activities and games, thanks to which it was impossible to get bored. Moreover, the participants had the chance to share their valuable ideas and experiences.

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Discover more about this course here