The phenomenon of bullying: a comparative study of Spain and Finland

Abstract

The article focuses on comparing two approaches in bullying prevention: the one in Aragon (Spain) with the one in Finland. The Finnish KiVA method is very new and can bring about great progress in detecting and dealing with bullying. The KiVA programme consists of lessons and work done during a course of study. Depending on the level of education, an educational unit will consist of a talk on how to respect others and how to work in a group. The most essential aspect of it is that the pupils understand the importance of preventing and stopping bullying. In this way, instead of supporting the bully, pupils would support the victim, thus conveying that they do not agree with bullying actions. Other methods focus only on the victim and the bully, but the Kiva programme emphasises involving and educating all peers and observers.