Bullying behaviors and lack of emotional awareness have a significant impact on school communities. Addressing these issues is essential to build safe learning environments where every student can thrive. The goal of this course was to explore strategies to prevent bullying and promote emotional intelligence in the classroom.

​The new edition of the course “How to Prevent Bullying and Cyber Bullying in Schools and Promote Social Emotional Learning” took place in Palermo from 15/09/2025 to 20/09/2025. The participants represented a diverse range of European countries, Sigríður, Hildur and Þorgerður de Álftanesskóli in Iceland and Isabel from IGS Mainz-Bretzenheim na Alemanha.

The week began with an introductory day focused on the topic of bullying: its definition, various forms, and the roles involved in a bullying scenario. Through group discussions and reflection, participants explored the differences between conflict and bullying, concentrating on three core elements that set them apart. They also engaged in role-playing exercises and brainstorming sessions using post-its to identify and discuss protective factors, enhancing their understanding of how to prevent and address bullying effectively.

​The following day focused on one of the most complex and pervasive forms of bullying: cyberbullying. Recognizing the profound impact of the internet on students’ lives, participants engaged in practical activities and open discussions to examine how ciberbullying differs from, yet also overlaps with, traditional bullying. Utilizing ICT tools, they explored and practiced identifying these distinctions through various interactive methods such as Where Do You Stand surveys, the Internet Iceberg model, Face Bull using Padlet, Cyberpedia matching and Quizlet exercises, along with case study scenarios. Participants also shared personal school experiences and collaboratively developed strategies to help students navigate and stay safe in the digital world.
​Midweek, the course shifted its focus to bullying prevention. Participants explored how schools can foster inclusive, safe, and collaborative environments that actively discourage bullying. Through interactive, non-formal activities, including exercises on membership with a totem e empathy-building, the group examined how trust, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging are fundamental to reducing bullying behaviors and strengthening classroom communities.The training then advanced to gestão de conflitos, where participants were equipped with strategies to effectively address and resolve conflicts within educational settings.
​We concluded our training with a session on diversity and inclusion, recognizing how embracing different backgrounds, perspectives, and identities is essential in preventing discrimination and bullying. Participants discussed how to promote inclusive teaching practices and cultural awareness in their classrooms.
This course was not only a learning experience, but also a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow educators, share ideas, and build professional relationships across borders all in the wonderful setting of Palermo.
Saiba mais sobre este curso aqui.
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