On the occasion of International Day Against School Violence and BullyingThe Association of Greek Foreign Press Correspondents (EAETE), in a significant partnership with Child Rights Network and the publishing company Desyllas, organized on Friday, March 6, 2026, a topical workshop, entitled: "Face to Face with Bullying: Recognition, Prevention, Action"The event, hosted at the “Desyllas Store” in the heart of Athens, highlighted the urgent need for collective vigilance against a phenomenon that threatens the mental health and social cohesion of the new generation.
Bullying is not part of growing up.
Contrary to the outdated perception that bullying is an "inevitable stage" of adolescence, experts stressed that it is a deeply traumatic experience with long-lasting effects. interactive workshop focused on decoding the forms of bullying —from physical and verbal violence to insidious cyberbullying— offering participants practical intervention tools.
Roula Skourogianni: The power of our voice against fear
Η reporter and President of EAETE, Ms. Roula Skourogianni, opened the discussion by highlighting the responsibility we all bear as adults:
“Bullying does not derive its power from the violence of the perpetrator, but from the silence of those around them. As long as we choose not to see or speak, we become unwitting accomplices. Our own power begins the moment we decide to break this cycle. Today, we are here to transform fear into dialogue and embarrassment into preparedness, equipping every parent and educator with the knowledge needed to protect the most precious part of our society: our children.”
Koula Panagou: From simple observer to active citizen
Η Educational, Ms Koula Panagou, program manager at the Child Rights Network, analyzed the legal and moral protection of minors through the International Convention:
“Protection from all forms of discrimination and violence is not an optional choice, but a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We must transform the role of “mere observer” into that of “active citizen”. Every child, regardless of origin, appearance or beliefs, is entitled to a safe school environment. The State and the community have an unwavering obligation to guarantee equality and eliminate all forms of exclusion before it turns into violence.”
Marina Papas: Reading the signs behind the words
The psychological dimension of the phenomenon was focused on Psychologist, Ms Marina Papas, Systemic Family Counselor, highlighting the complexity of the roles:
“In the theater of bullying, roles are often communicating vessels. There are children who experience the pain of victimization and children who express their own inner pain through aggression. Every child who bullies is, in fact, emitting a desperate cry for attention and help, while every child who is targeted is seeking the safe haven of a voice that will listen. Cultivating emotional intelligence is the “antidote” that will allow children to recognize their emotions and communicate without the use of violence.”
What the data says: Bullying as a public health issue
According to his data World Health Organization (WHO) and UNESCO, bullying not only affects academic performance, but is directly linked to:
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders in adult life.
- Psychosomatic symptoms (headaches, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems).
- Social isolation and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
- Statistics: It is estimated that 1 in 3 children worldwide has been a victim of bullying, while cyberbullying is rapidly increasing, eliminating the "boundaries" of the home as a safe haven.
The book as a therapeutic bridge and prevention tool
Beyond the theoretical approach, the conference highlighted the crucial role that a quality children's book can play as a "tool" for communication and crisis management. The psychologist and author Amelie Javaux, through her message about her book "The day I became a 'wolf' too", explained how literature can capture the subtle nuances of bullying.
Javaux focused on the transformation of her heroine, Charlotte, who goes from being a victim of repeated harassment to becoming a perpetrator in order to be accepted by a group. As she pointed out, the book offers more than just a story, but a framework for cultivating empathy, helping children to recognize their distress and seek help from adults. Its aim is to give teachers a trigger for discussion in the classroom, breaking the isolation imposed by bullying, whether it occurs inside or outside of school.
Desyllas Publications: Books that provide solutions and empower
In the same context, the Product Manager of Desyllas Publications, Mr. George Petroulias, presented three distinctive titles that act as signposts for children, parents and teachers. Through the books "The day I became a 'wolf' too", "So?" and "Red as a tomato", the publications sensitively approach the different aspects of the problem:
- Role Recognition: Understanding the dynamics between perpetrator, victim and bystander.
- Verbal Violence Management: Promoting self-confidence and resistance without aggression, while encouraging the abuser to take responsibility.
- Acceptance of Diversity: The transformation of a physical peculiarity from a reason for mockery into a source of strength through art and mutual support.
According to Mr. Petroulias, these books are not just reading material, but practical tools that help the child "metabolize" the difficult experience and find the courage to speak.
About the Organizers
- EAETE: With a history of 90 years, the Union of Greek Foreign Press Correspondents is a bridge of information and culture, consistently highlighting, among other things, issues of social welfare and human rights.
- Child Rights Network: For 20 consecutive years, the Network has been fighting to defend the fundamental freedoms of minors, providing educational and psychological support to vulnerable groups.
- Desyllas Company: For more than 4 decades, the company has invested in "fair play" and the educational value of play, believing that quality books and games are the most powerful tools for healthy development.
