ES
The recent session of Family Classroom addressed a highly relevant topic for the educational community: school bullying and the role of families in its prevention and management. The webinar was led by Mateo Pérez Wiesner, a general health psychologist, education expert, and collaborator of SEK Educational Institution, who provided families with strategies and tools to identify, prevent, and respond to situations of bullying and cyberbullying.
One of the first points highlighted by the expert was the crucial role of families in preventing school bullying. “The school is our main ally,” emphasized Mateo, stressing that collaboration between families and schools is essential to reducing cases of bullying. During the session, Mateo presented recent data on the prevalence of school bullying in Spain, noting that although the country is not in a critical situation, bullying still occurs, mainly in person.
How to Detect School Bullying
Mateo explained the difference between aggression and violence, pointing out that aggression is a natural reaction that can be controlled through education and culture, whereas violence is a learned behavior aimed at gaining power over another person. “Aggression may not involve violence, but violence always carries an element of aggression,” he noted.
To intervene in time, it is essential to recognize signs that may indicate a child is being bullied. Mateo listed some key indicators:
- Behavioral changes: anxiety, reluctance to go to school, or social isolation.
- Physical or emotional signs: sleep problems, nervousness when using a mobile phone, or unexplained bruises.
- Poor academic performance and lack of concentration in class.
He also warned about the existence of cyberbullying, which amplifies the impact of bullying due to its 24/7 availability and the difficulty of identifying aggressors. “What happens online can remain for years, severely affecting children’s self-esteem and emotional well-being,” he cautioned.
During the session, concrete tools were provided for families. Mateo emphasized the importance of fostering open communication at home, avoiding closed questions or interrogations, and encouraging natural dialogue. “Asking ‘Who were you with at school today?’ or ‘How do you feel about your friends?’ can help children share their concerns without feeling pressured,” he explained. To prevent bullying situations, he also recommended fostering empathy, teaching skills to channel emotions positively, and actively collaborating with the school.
Institutional Commitment: SEK’s Role in Bullying Prevention
In the final part of the event, Daniel Carrera, head of educational technology at SEK, explained the measures the institution is implementing to prevent cyberbullying and promote safe technology use. “We are conducting talks in all schools, tailored to each educational stage, about the digital footprint project, internet risks, and responsible platform use,” he stated.
Additionally, he highlighted the role of the digital well-being coordinator, a key figure in each SEK educational center who helps manage cyberbullying situations and guides families on how to respond. “Our goal is for students not only to know how to protect themselves but also to learn to act responsibly in the digital environment,” he affirmed.
The session concluded with a clear message: preventing school bullying is a shared responsibility between families and schools. Interested families can access additional resources through each school’s guidance counselors and specialized platforms like Common Sense, which offers practical guides for safe technology use.
