oppression from an attack on a person’s psychological or physical integrity or well-being, rights or property
Interventions in schools should:
provide a caring, civic-minded environment for young people that fosters positive relationships and openness to diversity
contribute to young people’s sense of security, and reduce or prevent problems related to aggressive behaviour in victims, perpetrators or witnesses of violence
help reduce the vulnerability of young people to various manifestations of violence, such as homophobia, sexual assault and violence in romantic relationships
Keywords
abuse
bullying
conflict resolution
cyberbullying
harmonious relations
homophobia
sexual assault
“taxing”
violence in romantic relationships
Key moments for implementing structured educational interventions
Preschool
Elementary 1
Elementary 2
Elementary 3
Elementary 4
Elementary 5
Secondary I
Secondary III
Secondary IV
Secondary V
Specific recommendations
Value harmonious relationships and prosocial behaviour between students, between adults and students, and between adults.
Name and reinforce expected behaviours.
Pay attention to expected behaviours, not only to undesirable behaviours.
Distinguish between violence, bullying, aggression, anger and conflict.
Do not trivialize violence.
Actively intervene in group dynamics to protect at-risk students and prevent negative interactions.
Ensure early intervention in cases of violence or bullying expressed directly (e.g. hitting, insults, fighting) or indirectly (e.g. rumours, exclusion), including online. Immediate intervention is needed, as well as supervision to stop the behaviour.
Consider situations of violence and bullying as a sign of relationship difficulties. These situations require educational support and guidance aimed at strengthening the personal and social skills of the students involved, such as:
increased support for anger or conflict management
positive self-assertion
responsible decision-making
exploration of strategies for dealing with bullying, violence, taunts
