School Safety: EUAM Ukraine and National Police Tackle Bullying in Mykolaiv
July 31, 2024
On July 24, a workshop was held in Mykolaiv to address the critical issue of bullying and its prevention in schools. This event, organized by the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine in collaboration with the Main Department of National Police in Mykolaiv region, aimed to empower a newly established service of school security police officers.
Maura O’Sullivan, the EUAM’s Deputy Head, opened the workshop, underscoring the importance of school security police officers and recognizing the unique challenges they face in a school environment close to the front line. According to O’Sullivan, the difficulty of police work in schools is to find the balance between ensuring safety and maintaining a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for the children.
The training featured a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, skillfully led by Jan Danco, Adviser on Community Policing, and Olha Radkevych, Training Officer. They guided the officers in distinguishing conflicts from bullying, identifying key indicators of bullying, and employing effective prevention strategies. These concepts were illustrated with real-life case studies and examples from successful initiatives in European schools.
A particularly engaging segment of the workshop involved role-playing exercises, where officers assumed the roles of victims, perpetrators, and bystanders. This hands-on approach enhanced their understanding and fostered empathy and problem-solving skills.
The workshop emphasized the importance of early recognition and prevention of bullying, advocating for a secure school environment built on trust and effective communication. Practical examples were provided on supporting victims, addressing bullies’ behaviour, and involving parents and teachers in prevention. The goal was to equip the officers with the tools to handle conflicts and bullying effectively, ensuring schools become safe havens for learning and growth.
The officers became increasingly engaged throughout the day, sharing their experiences and brainstorming solutions. The camaraderie and shared commitment to making schools safer created an atmosphere of mutual support and determination.
By the end of the workshop, the twelve school security police officers had gained invaluable knowledge and skills. They left with a deeper understanding of how to recognize and prevent bullying and were ready to implement effective strategies in their schools.
EUAM Ukraine will continue to support the National Police of Ukraine in its goal of creating a safer educational environment where children can thrive without fear, especially in areas where the security situation remains challenging.
