SINT-TRUIDEN - Sint-Truiden has been honored with an award for its proactive measures in addressing bullying through a comprehensive anti-bullying initiative.

This initiative, which launched in 2022 following a significant bullying incident, aims to create a safer environment for students by involving schools, parents, and community services over a span of two years.

The city has been recognized as the first in the Flanders region to adopt the Finnish KiVa program in all primary schools, alongside the STIPP method in secondary schools.

With a funding allocation of €70,000, the program addresses group dynamics, promotes recovery, and encourages community participation to tackle bullying in both educational and non-educational contexts.

Recent statistics indicate that 1 in 5 students in primary and secondary education encounters bullying.

In response, the city council has emphasized the need for a structured and sustainable approach that utilizes scientifically validated methods focusing on group behavior and recovery.

Alderman for Youth Gert Stas noted the expanded scope of bullying, stating, "Bullying has long since ceased to only occur at school, so our policy must also extend beyond the school gate." He highlighted the importance of collaboration with partners outside of the educational sector, aiming to foster an environment of respect and empathy in various community settings, thereby ensuring children receive consistent support.

Councillor for Education Katrien Bomans remarked on the lasting impact of bullying, stating, "Bullying leaves deep scars not only on victims but also on bullies and silent bystanders.

If it does not leave emotional scars, it can lead to dropping out of school or reduced school performance." She underscored that the adoption of the KiVa and STIPP programs enables schools to respond more effectively and support victims in their recovery.

Anoek Smeyers from vzw EVO commended the commitment of Sint-Truiden’s schools in cultivating a safe learning environment, stating, "Although we can never really rule out bullying, tackling it can make a significant difference in bullying figures and the experiences of victims."

Furthermore, Smeyers emphasized the strength of the approach in involving the broader community.

By focusing on connectivity not just within schools, but also across sports clubs, youth groups, and other organizations, the initiative seeks to position the child at the center of supportive networks, promoting respect and empathy as societal norms.

The anti-bullying initiative originated from a pressing need to cultivate a secure educational setting that encourages positive interactions among students, free from the threat of bullying.

Dedicated efforts have been made to recognize bullying as a serious educational barrier that affects students' mental well-being and academic performance.

The initiative incorporates a variety of anti-bullying strategies, including educational assemblies, staff training, and targeted learning content addressing bullying, cyberbullying, and sexting.

A crucial aspect involves restorative practices that facilitate dialogue between victims and perpetrators to foster understanding and promote healing, moving beyond traditional punitive measures.

The foundational principles of respect, responsibility, repair, and reintegration guide the initiative's implementation, striving for productive outcomes that support student welfare.

This comprehensive approach reflects the broader commitment of local schools to uphold core values that ensure student safety and mutual respect.