48 schools use anti-bullying project - positive results

The anti-bullying project "Gemeinsam Klasse sein" (Being a class act together) at schools in Saxony is having an effect, according to the organizers. According to an evaluation, the children involved feel demonstrably better able to actively intervene and provide support in the event of bullying, the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance company announced. Teachers and social workers attest to the platform's high practical suitability. Participating school classes confirmed a significantly improved class climate.

Bullying is psychological violence

"Bullying is psychological violence from which we must protect children and young people," explained Patrick Schreiber, President of the State Office for Schools and Education. This is why schools are supported in bullying prevention. "Our teachers receive extensive free materials and can organize up to five project days. With a culture of taking a closer look, they send a signal that bullying will not be tolerated." The project is a joint initiative of the health insurance company and the state office.

48 schools in Saxony are already using the prevention program

According to TK, 48 schools in Saxony are already using the prevention program, which was launched two years ago. The core element is an online platform that teachers can access free of charge at any time after completing a training course with an access code. The digital materials guide teachers through the topic with guidelines, films, tutorials, worksheets and exercises at different levels of difficulty. The program is primarily aimed at pupils in grades five to seven.

Pupils should be made aware of the issue of bullying

"There are no bystanders when it comes to bullying. This is exactly what the 'Gemeinsam Klasse sein' program focuses on. The aim is to sensitize all pupils to the issue of bullying and to contribute to a positive classroom climate so that bullying doesn't occur in the first place," said Alexander Krauß, head of the TK in Saxony, describing the objective. The program consistently focuses on the prevention of bullying and cyberbullying and empowers schools to actively combat exclusion, discrimination and assaults.