Hello everyone,
Today I am going to talk about a Greek guidebook called “Classrooms Against Bullying" (CAB). This guidebook was created to prevent and address school violence and bullying in Greek schools by fostering inclusive and democratic school environments. It is part of a collaborative programme between two organizations, SolidarityNow from Greece and the European Wergeland Centre from Norway.
I find the guidebook quite interesting because it emphasizes the concept of belonging. Belonging is a basic human need that, when not satisfied, often contributes to the development of bullying dynamics. Instead of only acting when incidents happen, this guide encourages schools to proactively create a culture where everyone feels safe, seen and valued. It highlights collaboration, not just among students and teachers, but also involves parents and the community in the prevention and fight against bullying. This integrates the Whole School Approach, which believes bullying is not just a school issue but a society one. Therefore, there are different agents involved in the perpetuation of bullying, not just the school.
The guidebook also offers a list of practical activities that can be implemented by schools in order to foster inclusion, empathy and a sense of belonging to the school. Which are key tools for bullying prevention because they reduce isolation, build inclusive environments and strengthen peer connections. Each activity is connected to five key factors of belonging: feeling welcome, forming peer connections, empathy, community involvement, and self-confidence. This is the reason why I think the guidebook is useful for schools, because it combines both theoretical content and practical activities that can be applied in real life. The activities explore real bullying cases, teach empathy through role-playing, and strengthen ties within the school community. In addition, it is easy to read, meaning anyone can understand the contents of the guidebook, making it accessible to a variety of people and professionals.
You can find the guidebook on this website, available in both English and Greek:
European Wergeland Centre. (2024). Greece: New guidebook gives advice on how to prevent school bullying. Retrieved 10th May 2025, from https://theewc.org/greece-new-guidebook-gives-advice-on-how-to-prevent-school-bullying/
Made by Diana Armeana Nicolaescu
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