Tackling Bullying: Building Inclusive School Communities

Instances of harassment, whether online or in-person, carry detrimental consequences not only for those targeted but also for the perpetrators. This course aims to delve into effective strategies to tackle all manifestations of harassment within educational environments.
The new edition of the course “How to stop bullying and cyber bullying in schools and promote social emotional learning​” took place in Bologna from 28/01/2024 - 03/02/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Ave Vurma from Tallinn 21st School in Estonia; Andreea-Maria Salariu, Simona-Anca Cilibiu, Mihaela Artin and George Brinzei from Liceul Tehnologic ”Petru Rares” Botosani in Romania; Didzis Skuška from Viduskurzeme primary school - development centre in Latvia; Beatrix Barretta from Stredná súkromná odborná škola in Slovakia.

Our journey started with an opening session where  we collectively brainstormed a spectrum of bullying behaviors: What variations exist? Who typically engages in such conduct? What are the defining characteristics distinguishing bullying from mere conflict?
Subsequently, our focus shifted towards understanding the position of victims: What predisposes children to become targets of harassment? How can we proactively mitigate such occurrences? What proactive measures can be instituted to handle bullying behaviors? We explored these dimensions through the lenses of family dynamics, school structures, individual psychology, and community engagement.
Of particular concern is the major challenge posed by cyberbullying, a form of harassment notoriously resistant to eradication. In today's digital age, the internet takes a central role in the lives of our youth, creating both positive and negative influences. Through theory, we navigated the intricate landscape of cyberbullying, analyzing disparities with traditional forms of harassment while also identifying commonalities.

In our discussions, we also delved into the significance of personal and social identity. This exploration aimed at boosting students' self-awareness and self-confidence. Moreover, we delved into the complexities of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, recognizing that bullying can sometimes emerge as a consequence of these societal biases. Understanding these dynamics was essential for our comprehensive approach to preventing bullying in educational settings. 
Central to our efforts to control bullying behaviors is the cultivation of a positive classroom environment. Thus, we delved into topics such as emotional intelligence, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting collaborative learning environments. These aspects serve as foundational pillars for nurturing supportive classrooms and deserve serious thought. Naturally, our discussions were enriched by a variety of engaging and imaginative activities, ensuring an enriching learning experience.
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Discover more about this course here.