Understanding and addressing bullying: An international perspective

PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) brings together leading researchers, community organizations, industry and government, funded by the Networks of Centers of Excellence. Launched in 2006, PREVNet’s mission is to stop bullying and promote safe and healthy relationships for all Canadian children and youth. Led by Dr. Wendy Craig of Queen’s University and Dr. Debra Pepler of York University, this national network provides an unprecedented opportunity for social innovation and social-cultural change. In this first volume of the PREVNet Series, we enlist the support of international colleagues to highlight the nature of bullying problems and strategies to address them. In June 2007, a group of international researchers met in Kandersteg, Switzerland to develop a declaration, pledging long-term commitment to prevent bullying and promote healthy relationships. Many of these international scholars have contributed their freshest research findings to this first volume of the PREVNet Series. Their chapters provide understanding and guidance to help the reader respond to the Kandersteg Declaration’s call to action: “Today, an estimated 200 million children and youth around the world are being abused by their peers. Every child and youth has the right to be respected and safe. Bullying is a violation of this basic human right. It is the moral responsibility of adults to ensure these rights are honored and that healthy development and citizenship are promoted.” It is essential to: Stop bullying in all the places where children and youth live, learn, and play. Start prevention efforts early and continue these through childhood and adolescence, targeting known risk and protective factors and promoting healthy relationships. Educate and empower all adults involved with children and youth to promote healthy relationships and prevent bullying. (Kandersteg Declaration, 2007)