17 major organizations in the field of bullying from 12 EU Member States gathered between January 21-23 in Stuttgart, Germany to attend the last meeting of the project “European Anti-bullying Network” before the establishment of the first European Network against bullying that will be announced in a celebratory event in June 2014 under the auspices of the Greek Presidency of the European Union.
Upon the inauguration of the Network more EU Member States will be represented by the active participation from actors that form part of the everyday struggle against the phenomenon. The aim of the European Anti-bullying Network will be to contribute to the coordination of anti-bullying actions and developing a common strategy against the problem at European level.
During this meeting, participants had the opportunity to discuss the new European good practice guide that incorporates examples of good practices in bullying within member states and at European level and a draft of recommendations aiming at the development of a common European strategy against the phenomenon. As part of this project both these products will be finalized and presented upon EAN completion in June 2014. In addition, an interactive Smart Phone application will be created with the aim to provide online access to good practices, and there will also be a documentary that will be developed in 6 EU languages in order to raise awareness on bullying and provide a scientific analysis of the phenomenon.
As part of the EAN project, a Europe-wide campaign has been launched in an effort to raise awareness of the phenomenon among the European public. Participants were presented with the full campaign pack and discussed communication activities to be undertaken as partners make a concerted effort to galvanise support against bullying across the EU. More specifically, One Day in Europe, every day for children campaignis aboutcalling for one official European Anti-bullying Day as the phenomenon is meeting no borders and requires pan-European attention and coordinated actions.
This initiative seizes upon the unique momentum created one year ago with the adoption of a Written Declaration by the European Parliament calling on the Commission to support the establishment of a European Anti-bullying Day and Member States to take appropriate measures to protect children.
EAN project campaigns for a distinct European Anti-bullying Day that will contribute to:
- raising awareness of the problem of bullying among the general public;
- promoting the need for targeted action and the establishment of a common strategy against bullying at European level;
- mobilizing the civil society and public authorities active in the field of bullying;
- bringing together all relevant actors and contributing to the exchange of good practices and development of concrete anti-bullying actions and initiatives;
Across Europe hundreds of thousands of children and young people are experiencing bullying every day. Concerted actions and political influence will transform their everyday lives. Towards reaching this goal “European Anti-bullying Network” project is calling citizens and civil society organizations to visit antibullying.eu, sign up to the online petition and show support for our anti-bullying initiative. Partner organizations will meet again in June on the occasion of EAN inaugural conference in Athens where the official establishment of the Network will be announced.
EAN project is funded under the Daphne III Programme of the European Commission. The Greek NGO “The Smile of the Child” is coordinator of the project and works with 16 partner organizations from 12 countries.
For further information, please contact justice@cesie.org
This publication has been produced with the financial support of the Daphne III Programme of the European Commission. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of CESIE and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Commission.
