Last week, four educators from our school attended a five-day anti-bullying course in Helsinki, Finland. The course was led by Ms. Anna Heumann, a specialist in bullying prevention. This course aimed to equip educators with the skills and insights to effectively address bullying in schools, focusing on practical strategies and deep discussions to enhance understanding and empathy.
Throughout the course, Ms. Heumann posed thought-provoking questions that drove discussions on key topics such as:
What is bullying? Understanding bullying in its various forms—verbal, physical, social, and cyber—was central to the course. Educators explored what qualifies as bullying and how it differs from simple disagreements or conflicts.
Why stop bullying? Participants discussed the significant impact of bullying on students’ well-being, learning, and long-term mental health. They also reflected on their personal and moral reasons for wanting to prevent it.
Who is affected by bullying? The course delved into the profiles of both bullies and victims, considering factors that may make a student more vulnerable to bullying. Educators shared experiences and discussed who in a school setting holds responsibility for collective well-being.
Forms of bullying in schools: Educators shared experiences of bullying at their own schools and discussed current strategies for handling these cases. This exchange, helped teachers compare their approaches to the three stages of the KiVa program: prevention, intervention, and monitoring.
Key Training Techniques and Exercises
The course highlighted the importance of empathy in preventing and addressing bullying. Educators were introduced to transformative drama as a teaching tool that encourages students to "step into someone else's shoes."
Through process drama exercises, educators practiced guiding students through hypothetical bullying scenarios using scripted and improvisational role-play. By becoming real or fictional characters, students can safely explore feelings, responses, and perspectives, building emotional connections that enhance empathy. These exercises aim to create a supportive, inclusive environment where students feel connected to one another and become more aware of the impact of their actions.
By the end of the course, participants left with a toolkit of strategies and a greater understanding of how empathy, responsibility, and well-structured interventions can transform school environments. Educators left inspired to bring these insights back to their schools, aiming to make positive changes in creating safer, more caring spaces for all students.
