Bullying expands in the Republic of Moldova, the country ranking third in the region by violence between mates. Moreover, the phenomenon acquires new forms, migrating online, far from adults’ eyes. The methods of identifying, preventing and combating bullying were discussed in an online workshop entitled “Practical approach to bullying in schools” that was organized by the National Center for Child Abuse Prevention, IPN reports.

The most recent studies show that eight in ten sixth-twelfth graders are affected by bullying, while 57% of the children aged 13-15 took part in at least one beating the past year and/or said that they were harassed at least once the last several months.

“Violence in schools, in all its forms, represents a violation of the child’s rights to education, health and welfare. National and international data show bullying has greater prevalence and has a powerful negative impact on children in the short, medium and long terms,” said Gheorghe Trofin, UNICEF Moldova child protection programs coordinator.

Over 500 education professionals from Cahul and Ungheni were trained how to prevent and how to intervene in cases of bullying in schools. According to the experts, only 16% of the cases of bullying take place before adults’ eyes. “The price paid by our children for our lack of reaction or for an unsuitable intervention in a situation of bullying is very great,” said workshop trainer Sorina Petrică from Romania. ”Each child needs to live and learn in an environment in which they would feel safe. It is our responsibility, as adults, to offer them this.”

National Center for Child Abuse Prevention head Daniela Sîmboteanu said Moldova needs educational policies to prevent bullying in schools. “The necessity of adopting a law in this field has been underlined a lot, but we cannot stop by law, during one day, someone’s intolerance of others. Complex measures to educate the children and parents are needed. Specialized training for education professionals are needed to teach them how to respond to this phenomenon, how to prevent it and how not to stimulate it,” stated Daniela Sîmboteanu.

The online workshop “Practical approach to bullying in schools” was staged by the National Center for Child Abuse Prevention in the framework of the EVA Project “Strengthened gender action in Cahul and Ungheni districts” that is funded by the European Union and implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNICEF.