The course is launched as part of the EU co-funded project “Applying Safe Behaviours: Preventing and Responding to Peer Violence and Gender-Based Violence Amongst Children and Young People,” implemented by SOS Children’s Villages and Terre des hommes.
From evidence to everyday practice
Peer on peer violence is a reality that can take many forms in children’s lives, including teasing, bullying, intimidation, and physical or sexual abuse. It is the most common form of violence experienced by children once they start school, although it takes place in all settings where children interact and issues such as cyberbullying, which can take place anywhere at any time, are becoming increasingly concerning. Despite its prevalence, children and young people consistently report that peer violence often goes unrecognised or unaddressed.
The e-learning course is designed to help bridge this gap by supporting the adults around children and young people to better recognise the issue of peer on peer violence and what they can do to contribute to creating safer environments for children and young people.
“In my experience, the most important thing for those who are bullied is to feel that they are not alone and to have an adult figure of trust.”
Quote from a young person, as included in the e-learning course
What children and young people want adults to understand
Through the short course, participants are invited to explore what peer violence is, where it takes place, and what are some of the contributing factors that might cause children to be more vulnerable to such violence. The course also highlights the importance of understanding the behaviours of children and young people affected by peer violence, and what support children and young people would like from adults.
The course is available here in the following languages: English, Albanian, Bulgarian, German, Italian, Romanian, Serbian, Swedish.
It takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, and participants receive a certificate of completion.
Other Applying Safe Behaviours resources
The e-learning course is one of several resources developed within the Applying Safe Behaviours project to support the better prevention and response to peer violence. You can also access:
Practice Guidance
A practical resource for professionals working with children and young people, offering guidance on recognising, preventing and responding to peer violence.
Available in the following languages: English, Albanian, Bulgarian, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Romanian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish.
Children’s Booklet
A child-friendly booklet for children aged 8-11, designed to help children understand peer violence, safe behaviours and where to seek support. The booklet contains stories and activities which were developed by children and young people in each country of the initial Applying Safe Behaviours project.
Available in the following languages: English, Albanian, Bulgarian, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Romanian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish.
Awareness-raising videos
Various videos have been developed including:
Upcoming resource: Practice-based guidelines
As part of the Applying Safe Behaviours II project, a further resource is currently being developed: a set of practice-based guidelines for local, regional and national social and educational services, focused on improving how peer on peer violence among children and young people is identified, prevented and addressed.
The guidelines will build on key findings and recommendations, promising practices, and the perspectives of children and young people, supporting decision-makers and service providers to improve responses to peer violence at policy and institutional levels.