Today is dedicated to the fight against bullying.

The 8th of November each year is dedicated to the fight against bullying in schools. On this day, positive communication is prioritised, and the school community is encouraged to unite against bullying. Schools in Hafnarfjörður have taken an active part in the project, and in many schools, a 'friendship week' has been running all week, along with friendship games and 'multi-intelligence' games that break up the usual school routine. A variety of stations are set up around the schools where the talents of every pupil and teacher are celebrated, and all ages work together. The oldest pupils look after the youngest in their group, guiding them and showing them respect, care and affection. 

Anti-bullying event at Öldutúnsskóli

An anti-bullying festival was held at Öldutúnsskóli today, organised by the National Centre for Education.  The Öldutúnsskóli choir performed a musical item, Sigríður Lára Haraldsdóttir, chair of the expert committee on bullying in primary and secondary schools, gave a speech, and Lilja D. Alfreðsdóttir gave a speech and presented the Anti-Bullying Day's encouragement award.  This year's encouragement award was given to Vinaliðar for a project designed to eliminate all forms of bullying. It is a preventative project run during break times on school playgrounds.  In this way, certain groups of pupils within primary schools are trained to be peer supporters, thereby becoming good role models who show respect for everything and everyone.  Margrét Sverrisdóttir, Assistant Headteacher of Öldutúnsskóli, then presented a project related to the school's anti-bullying policy, and Svavar Knútur concluded the programme with two songs.  The reason for choosing Öldutúnsskóli as the venue for the celebration is, in part, the school's good track record on bullying. The school follows the Olweus programme and has, among other things, established regular morning meetings with parents where they discuss their children's well-being in complete confidence. These meetings have been very well attended. Friendship Week at Öldutúnsskóli concluded today with a sing-along and a human chain as year groups came together to form a chain around their school. The human chain is a symbolic end to a successful Friendship Week. 

The consequences of bullying can be varied.

Bullying has various consequences for both the pupils who experience it and their families. It is worth remembering that the perpetrators are often children who have themselves suffered bullying and feel powerless. Often, it is the silent majority who allow bullying to continue, but fewer people show responsibility and intervene. Instilling good values, regular education, and discussions about bullying and its consequences are essential. A powerful preventative measure against bullying is to provide children with structured training in how to get along with others in play and work, guided by democracy, human rights and equality. This skill is part of creating a more positive environment where bullying is less likely to take root.

Let's all do our bit

It is the wish of the National Education Agency that Anti-Bullying Day provides schools with an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of positive relationships and to send out the message that negative behaviour and bullying are addressed. To facilitate this effort, the institution will soon launch an information page on this subject where professionals, children, young people and parents can access resources and good advice. The day encourages everyone to put their own contribution on the scales to promote mutual respect, empathy and positive relationships in schools. A positive school climate is crucial for the well-being and motivation of pupils and staff, and can have the same effect as the best preventative work.