Protea Preventie

Navigating two different educational systems in Greece and Luxembourg, my life’s purpose became clear amidst the challenges of bullying during my school years. Now, I am dedicated to crafting interventions that empower bystanders, creating safer and more empathetic environments within schools and communities.

The Crucial 10 Seconds:

Bullying, a haunting experience from my past, left me questioning why no one stepped in to help. The realization dawned that bystanders hold immense power within the critical 10-second window when bullying occurs. This timeframe, the emotional crossroads of freeze, flight, or fight, became the focal point of my commitment to empower bystanders.

The 4 Ds – A Bystander’s Toolkit:

Inspired by the Breaking the Silence program at the University of Cambridge, my interventions emphasize the 4 Ds: Distract, Direct Action, Delay, and Delegate (https://www.breakingthesilence.cam.ac.uk/files/bts-poster.pdf). These strategic approaches empower bystanders to intervene effectively while prioritizing personal safety, fostering a culture of empathy and support.

My First School Intervention:

Embarking on my journey, I conducted my first intervention with 6-7-year-olds. Using storytelling as a tool, we explored the topic of bullying. The session empowered children to recognize the importance of waiting for a safe moment to support the victim or report the incident. An emotional moment unfolded when a young child shared his own experience, breaking the silence that had kept him isolated. He had bullied from older students, and he found his voice to speak about it. He stopped followed. 

Confronting Verbal Bullying:

In another school, working with 9-10-year-olds, I faced an unexpected challenge. The students, during my talk, resorted to harsh words and verbal bullying. Opting for direct action, I confronted the negative behavior, refusing to tolerate it. Stepping back until they were ready to engage in a respectful dialogue, the students later acknowledged the impact, signalling a shift in their understanding of acceptable behavior.

Beyond Bullying: Drug Education and Peer Pressure:

Expanding my interventions to encompass drug education and peer pressure, I aimed to equip students with tools to navigate these complex challenges. Following one session, a group of girls approached me to share a friend’s struggle with an abusive relationship. Their collective decision to delegate and seek help for their friend underscored the transformative power of bystanders in situations beyond bullying.

My journey, from a bullied student to a designer of interventions, reflects the profound impact empathy and understanding can have on creating safer, more compassionate communities. The stories of intervention highlight the transformative power of bystanders, showcasing that with strategic approaches and collective empowerment, individuals can become catalysts for positive change. It is a testament to the belief that, when given the tools and knowledge, bystanders can be instrumental in fostering a culture of empathy, resilience, and support within our schools and communities.

Be an active bystander