Violence and bullying at school are a constant problem, however noticed only when a child gets hurt and media cover the story. The death of an 11-year-old girl after a kick in the stomach in Sofia’s 52^nd primary school is another tragedy due to inexplicable aggression which won’t find its solution when the guilty kid is transferred to another school. It is likely that he will go on with his anti-social actions there. His expelling is not a good idea either, since it will neither change nor re-educate him. It will be just another case of an outsider…

Statistics showing that aggression among children has been on the rise over the past years is alarming. The reasons are different – problems at home, insecurity, lack of respect and recognition for their achievements. That is why the interference of psychologists is necessary and those should work for the prevention of cruelty and the protection of children’s health. What are the ways to do that? We put this question to Head of the Animus Foundation Nadejda Stoicheva:

“Prevention should not only be a talk with the kids, full of bans. Understanding is necessary. First the children should be asked what happens with them. Then they should be advised how to deal with it, in order for support to be provided for them. It is best if this thing happens in the earliest age possible, so that there can be change. At the same time any problematic kids should be handed over for support and assistance, if they come from such families and aggression has become their stereotype for communication. They shouldn’t be transferred from one place to another. We all must show concern with the issues and aggression among kids.”

The association has developed a program, aimed at children at different ages. The first part of it is named Friends of Zippy and it contains lessons for children, aged 5 – 7. They teach you that it is very easy to insult a close relative, to lose a friend and to make someone feel bad. That is why one should be aware of the power and sense of words, since they are the ones which can push people away. A program is being currently created for children aged 9 – 11, named Apple which will work with the kids’ inner world. The third one will be for adolescents aged 15 – 18 and will help them for the solving of problems, typical for their age.

Fear is the main factor, preventing the victim from sharing about bullying and aggression. That is why their option is to shut up and life to go on. The truth is that violence is based on several myths like this one – that it is the only way out of some situations. Or – each kid is just waiting for a reason to show its bad side. Every one of us carries inside both good and bad and the important thing is which will prevail later on. This all depends on the education and example of the parents. In some cases our mistakes as parents might get fatal for the future development and professional path of our children. We need to talk with them and help them with the crises they are going through. Otherwise we risk alienation and we might even lose them – and this is dangerous, both for them and for us, as we will be a failure as parents…

English version: Zhivko Stanchev