Module 2
Theoretical Framework
Chapter 2: Good Practices
2.7 Good Practice in Romania: The Project "Choose to Oppose Bullying"
The project, coordinated by the “Save the children” Organisation, takes place in 11 schools in Bucharest, the main activity being the development of a working group consisting of students, teachers/counsellors and parents. Before carrying out the project, in 2016, Save the Children Romania launched the first national study on the phenomenon of bullying in Romanian schools, in order to better understand the reasons behind these behaviours of violence between children, and the extent of this phenomenon in the educational context of Romania. The research looked at how children and parents perceive bullying, their attitudes and behaviours in different social contexts (at school, in a group of friends, online), as well as measuring the incidence of bullying in these situations. The different types of bullying-related behaviours were targeted, including exclusion from the group, humiliation, destruction of personal belongings, or physical violence. The aim was also to determine the social profile of the actors involved in such situations. The study, with quantitative and qualitative dimensions alike, highlighted a worrying level of the presence of different behaviours associated with bullying in schools and shows the need for a change in approach to relational dynamics in the school context. Thus, the main goal is to raise awareness of the increased level of bullying among children, as well as the dramatic negative consequences.
The working group has direct responsibilities for the prevention, identification, recognition and response to bullying and the training of members of the working group. Participants develop specific skills in order to create a positive social climate and team implementation of project-specific activities. In the 11 schools, more than 1,500 children, 150 teachers, more than 10 school counsellors, 20 principals and more than 1,000 parents are mobilized in the fight against bullying. Also, approx. 300 children, parents, specialists receive specialized advice on reducing the phenomenon of bullying in schools through the online platform www.scolifarabullying.ro where cases of bullying in schools across the country can be reported.
The campaign "Choose to oppose bullying!" does not focus on finding the culprit, but on identifying the hero, by urging all those who have been or are witnesses to bullying to intervene. Not to choose the simple way - to become an aggressor - but to have the courage to say "NO", to oppose, to help, to save. It is aimed at raising awareness, generating a change of attitude and thus preventing and combating bullying among children.
The working group has direct responsibilities for the prevention, identification, recognition and response to bullying and the training of members of the working group. Participants develop specific skills in order to create a positive social climate and team implementation of project-specific activities. In the 11 schools, more than 1,500 children, 150 teachers, more than 10 school counsellors, 20 principals and more than 1,000 parents are mobilized in the fight against bullying. Also, approx. 300 children, parents, specialists receive specialized advice on reducing the phenomenon of bullying in schools through the online platform www.scolifarabullying.ro where cases of bullying in schools across the country can be reported.
The campaign "Choose to oppose bullying!" does not focus on finding the culprit, but on identifying the hero, by urging all those who have been or are witnesses to bullying to intervene. Not to choose the simple way - to become an aggressor - but to have the courage to say "NO", to oppose, to help, to save. It is aimed at raising awareness, generating a change of attitude and thus preventing and combating bullying among children.
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