Promoting mental health and combating bullying through education

The Erasmus+ training courses held in Bologna from September 8 to 14, 2024, offered a crucial opportunity for teachers to gain new insights into two vital aspects of modern education: bullying prevention and promoting mental health in schools. These topics are critical due to the rising challenges educators face in maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment. Addressing bullying, particularly in the digital realm, and fostering students’ well-being have become priorities as they directly impact academic achievement and long-term development. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and mental health awareness are now recognized as core elements of effective education.

The courses were held in Bologna, attracting teachers from across Europe, including participants Maris Sant from St. Monica School, Gzira (Malta), Esther Paz Mandado from IES Gabriel y Galán (Spain) and Marie Lundberg Husbom from Saltsjöbadens Samskola (Sweden) on Promoting Students' Well-being and Mental Health. Similarly, educators such as Katarina Urbančič from OŠ Majde Vrhovnik (Slovenia) and MARIA JOSE SANCHEZ from IES LOS ALCORES (Spain) focused on Preventing Bullying and Cyberbullying.

The course began with an exploration of mental health and its definition, emphasizing the importance of a supportive school environment. Participants discussed mental wellness as a proactive process and explored how schools can contribute to students’ overall well-being.

A critical session covered developmental psychology, particularly Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which provided educators with a framework to understand their students' mental health needs at various life stages. This session also introduced participants to risk and protective factors that shape mental health. Additionally, in the bullying and cyberbullying course, discussions expanded on the societal and individual impacts of bullying, offering strategies for schools to handle these challenges.

Another key session focused on the role of Emotional Intelligence in the classroom. Teachers explored Goleman’s five pillars of EI—self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, empathy, and social skills—and their application in everyday teaching to create a safe, emotionally healthy environment for students​.
Mindfulness techniques were introduced to help students and teachers manage stress. Activities like guided body scans and sensory-focused exercises were demonstrated as effective tools for improving focus and reducing anxiety in the classroom. In the tailored sessions for the bullying course, mindfulness was discussed as a method to develop empathy and emotional regulation, key in preventing aggressive behaviors like bullying.

The final sessions focused on cognitive and behavioral approaches for managing stress and promoting mental well-being. Teachers learned strategies such as positive reframing, emphasizing how these methods can be integrated into daily school life to improve both student behavior and academic performance. Furthermore, collaboration and inclusion were highlighted, promoting a team-based approach in schools to foster a supportive environment.

In conclusion, the week-long training in Bologna allowed teachers to exchange experiences, gain practical tools, and foster connections. By focusing on mental health and bullying prevention, the courses empowered educators to create a more inclusive and emotionally safe educational environment. The participants' dedication and openness to share their experiences contributed to a successful and enriching week, leaving them better equipped to address these critical issues in their schools.

Discover more about these courses here.