Abstract:

This article focuses on ways of bullying prevention through various methods, signifying using games as potentially one of the most effective. Many valuable methods and programs are being used in schools today; however, the authors believe there is a more effective way of preventing bullying. Many of the already-known programs based on drama and theater are seen as very effective; therefore, there is high support for using such programs. However, it can be seen that these programs are not full-fledged since usually drama and theater are encouraged to be used together with discussions. This is said to increase effectiveness and to give constructive knowledge to students who are participating and students who are watching.

From the theory’s point of view, this article touches upon the discovery of learning and simulation-based teaching as the ground for using games as a tool for bullying prevention. This method can be applied to playing games since such a teaching method encourages students (or players) to ask themselves questions to come to conclusions based on realistic experiences or examples. This means that students playing games designed for bullying prevention can understand bullying as such and its consequences much better since the game is based on simulation.

Based on the theory and existing bullying prevention methods, the authors of this article suggest a specific board game designed for bullying prevention. The board game is constructed in such a way that students, who are playing, can better understand all three parties that are usually involved in bullying: the bully, the victim, and the bystander. The game is a healthy, safe, and supportive environment and serves as the primary prevention level with an aim to lower the risks of a bullying situation.

Keywords:

Bullying, bullying prevention, discovery learning, simulation-based teaching, tools, board games.