Exploring Best Practices for Preventing Bullying and Cyberbullying in Schools

Bullying, whether it occurs online or in-person, can have detrimental effects on both victims and bullies. This course aims to explore effective strategies for preventing all forms of bullying in educational and school environments.
The new edition of the course “How to stop bullying and cyber bullying in schools and promote social emotional learning​” took place in Tenerife from 05/03/2023 to 11/03/2023. The participants came from two European countries, with Veronika and Tobias from Heinrich Heine Gymnasium Oberhausen in Germany and Annette and Sonja from Sønderrisskolen Aura in Denmark.
During our introduction day, we began by brainstorming the different types of bullying behaviors and identifying the participants involved in a bullying scenario. We also discussed the three main elements that distinguish bullying from conflict. We then shifted our focus to the victims of bullying, exploring the risk factors that make children vulnerable to bullying and strategies for prevention. We examined the issue from four different perspectives: family, school, individual, and community.

One of the most challenging types of bullying to address is cyberbullying, which has become increasingly prevalent due to the widespread use of the internet by young people. We engaged in practical activities to explore the world of cyberbullying, discussing the similarities and differences between traditional and cyberbullying. To better understand the experience of bullying victims, we also implemented a powerful activity that can be used to raise awareness among students, parents, and teachers.
Creating a positive classroom environment is essential for preventing bullying behaviors, which is why we delved into topics such as emotional intelligence, membership and inclusion, and collaboration. We utilized a range of non-formal and creative activities and games to ensure that the discussion was engaging and informative. Our goal was to emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive classroom environment that promotes inclusion and collaboration to prevent bullying behaviors.
Overall, it was an enriching week for all involved, with teachers returning home feeling energized and equipped with new knowledge and strategies to put in practice in their classes! ☺
Discover more about this course here.

---