Speaker
Description
Bullying in school contexts across countries is a layered and complex construct. While research on school bullying in India is scarce and influenced by its vast socio-cultural diversity; child legislation and schools are engaging with issues of fostering safe learning environments in more active ways. In this larger national narrative, we identify as a small yet culturally diverse school community in the South of India, having to navigate, architect and implement a range of child protection policies. The school offers an international and national academic curriculum.
The objective of this presentation is to highlight the role of social ecological frameworks with specific reference to the Whole Education Approach (WEA) in the development and implementation of an inclusive and sustainable anti-bullying policy. As recommended by UNESCO Scientific Committee, International Conference on School Bullying, 2020, the WEA attempts to go beyond a whole school approach and refers to a multi component and systemic approach to reduce violence and bullying in schools. The comprehensive lens that this approach offers, best aligns with our experience in constructing policy and process that is culturally relevant.
In sharing our journey, we hope to contribute to discussions that explore the critical intersection of positive school climate initiatives and robust child protection policies through examining key components of our policies.
The presentation underscores the need to acknowledge the relational contexts of bullying by leveraging active stakeholder involvement in nurturing supportive connections.
Furthermore, the presentation advocates for policies to be responsive in ways that are relevant to the community.
Keywords
School, Policy, whole education approach, culturally relevant
| Please also indicate what kind of contribution it is: | Mixed |
|---|---|
| Please indicate what type of scientific contribution it is | Not applicable |
