Together against bullying

From November 13 to 17, DISD focused on the fourth annual Anti-Bullying Week. Raising awareness of the issue of bullying and promoting preventative measures was a key concern.

STOP BULLYING - In kindergarten, the focus was on making a clear "Stop!" as an initial prevention against bullying. Through playful approaches, the youngest children were gently sensitized to the topic in order to create an awareness of respectful coexistence. The STOP rule, explained by school psychologist Nurka Bulic, teaches children to say "No!" clearly and non-violently and to develop more sensitivity in their dealings with one another. "As every child feels differently and has their own personal boundaries, the STOP rule helps to make it clear to another child when the fun stops," she explains.

ACCEPTANCE OF DIFFERENCE - At Primary School , the focus was on promoting the acceptance of difference. The "Odd Socks Day" at the beginning of the week provided a colorful opportunity to celebrate diversity and show that it is okay to be different. In addition, the third and fourth classes created "Buddy Benches" under the direction of art teacher Talita Ingrillini. The colorfully painted wooden benches now serve as meeting places and meeting points for friendships. Messages such as "Be a Buddy not a Bully" adorn these benches and underline the importance of cohesion.

WITH ART AGAINST MOBBING - Art lessons at Secondary School were dedicated to the Anti-Bullying Week. student*With the support of art teachers Barbara Mayrhofer-Diaw and Walaa Tawfik, students from all year groups made their own contribution. Inspired by graffiti artist Banksy, they created printed T-shirts with powerful visual statements against bullying.

WORKSHOPS AND ENGAGEMENT - In collaboration with school psychologist Nurka Bulic, the Anti-Bullying Squad held workshops for student*in Primary School and Secondary School . Psychological experiments that illustrate conformity and peer pressure were analyzed. The participants had the opportunity to actively engage with the topic of bullying and learn prevention strategies. What was impressive was the commitment of older student*interns as role models who shared their experiences and thus contributed to an intensive discussion. "We talked about different types of behavior that can lead to bullying and did team-building exercises," reports Johannes (12a) from the anti-bullying squad.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY AND TOLERANCE - Anti-Bullying Week was not only an opportunity to raise awareness of the negative effects of bullying, but also a chance to bring the school community closer together. The diversity of our student was celebrated and the message of tolerance and respect was felt in every class, in the playground and throughout the school building.

Together we are sending a strong signal against bullying and for a school in which every student and every pupil can feel safe, accepted and respected"

School psychologist Nurka Bulic

May the awareness of treating each other with respect continue not only during this week, but throughout the year.