prevention and combating of school violence the greek ombudsman department of children’s rights...
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Prevention and combating of school violence
The Greek OmbudsmanDepartment of Children’s Rights
ENOC 16th Annual ConferenceNicosia, Cyprus, 10-12 October 2012
Activities of the Greek Children’s Ombudsman on school violence:
Since 2003: Examination of many complaints submitted by
students or parents - Mediation aiming at the protection of children’s rights.
Discussing the issue with groups of students or teachers. Listening, informing and advising.
Collaborating with researchers - specialists Investigating good practices for the prevention
and combating of school violence Making specific proposals to the government Promoting dialogue and exchange of information
among schools
Recording Good Practices
During 2010 the Ombudsman invited secondary schools to report if they had developed programmes to prevent and tackle violence between students, that could be considered as “Good Practices”.
43 schools responded and sent relevant information.
2 meetings were organised in Athens and Thessaloniki with students of schools that had implemented such programmes
School presentations were uploaded in www.0-18.gr
Findings were discussed with members of the Ombudsman Youth Advisory Panel
The Ombudsman contributed to a relevant publication by the National Committee on Human Rights
The Ombudsman discussed the issue of school violence with groups of students in various parts of Greece
Report to the Ministry and circular
The Ombudsman sent a report of his findings and proposals to the Ministry of Education: “Measures for the prevention and tackling of violence between pupils”
The report was followed by a circular issued by the Ministry including the Ombudsman’s recommendations
The Ombudsman’s main proposals
Stress on good school climate – democratic school governance
School regulations -with the contribution of students– followed by monitoring and complaints mechanisms
Inform and sensitize students on children’s rights and on possible means of protection when violated
Train teachers. Appoint teachers as mediators / counselors.
Listen to students, involve them in handling incidents and in planning interventions
Promote peer mediation Develop various group activities in school Involve parents and regularly communicate with them Holding meetings of school councils, planning and
implementing activities to sensitize members of school community on school violence dimensions
National Network against school violence
The Network was established in 2011 consisting of public bodies as well as NGOs
The Ministry of Education established a Day against School Violence (6th March) and proposed to all schools the organisation of relevant activities
A poster was sent to all schools The Network website promoted
information, videos and good practices A group of students visited the
President of the Greek Republic
Peer mediation practices in schools
Schools implementing peer mediation exchange information through seminars & networking
The Ombudsman has publicised a questionnaire, aiming at the collection of data on the conditions and experience of schools implementing peer mediation
A special page in our website…
..hosts relevant information, news, links, videos and other data that can be used by teachers or students.
Thank you!