A New Approach to Peer Bullying: Kindness-Focused Education

At the summit organized in collaboration with Sancaktepe Guidance and Research Center, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, and the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, the importance of a kindness-based approach against peer bullying was discussed.

The “Peer Kindness Summit,” organized by the Sancaktepe Guidance and Research Center (RAM) in collaboration with Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University and the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, was held at İZÜ. The program, organized within the scope of the provincial action plan implemented to build a respect-based structure in peer relationships and to raise individuals who can empathize and approach differences with tolerance, was attended by Küçükçekmece District Director of National Education Emin Çıkrıkçı, guidance counselors, and academics.

GEZER: “PEER KINDNESS IS THE ANTIDOTE TO BULLYING”
In his opening speech, Sancaktepe RAM Director Mustafa Özkan Gezer emphasized that peer kindness has a transformative power in school environments, noting that it is a vision that will improve the climate of schools and plant the seeds of kindness in students’ worlds. Emphasizing that the main goal is for every student to feel safe and valued, Gezer highlighted the vital importance of kindness among children and stated, “Peer kindness is the antidote to bullying and also the cornerstone of a healthy society.”

ÇIKRIKÇI: “FAMILY ATTITUDES LEAD TO THE DEEPENING OF THE PROBLEM”
Küçükçekmece District Director of National Education Emin Çıkrıkçı stated that peer bullying has become more complex today. Noting that environmental supervision was stronger in the past, Çıkrıkçı pointed out that incorrect interventions by families today can exacerbate problems. Saying, “When families side with the wrong behavior, the idea that the teacher is the one at fault is coded into the child’s mind,” Çıkrıkçı emphasized that despite all difficulties, the influence of educators is decisive and stated that the transition from peer bullying to peer kindness is an important step.

ÇELEBİ: “KINDNESS CAN TRANSFORM THE SCHOOL CLIMATE”
Following the opening speeches, Dr. Çiğdem Demir Çelebi, a faculty member of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department at İZÜ, addressed the topic from multiple dimensions in her presentation titled “School Climate and Culture of Kindness: From Science to Practice.” Reminding that the Ministry of National Education has long been combating peer bullying, Çelebi noted that despite this, there has been an increase in bullying cases, especially after the pandemic. Addressing the reasons for this situation, Çelebi stated that the process cannot be carried out solely through guidance counselors and pointed to the need for a more systematic and holistic approach. Drawing a broad framework from teacher competencies to school climate, from social-emotional skills to education policies, Çelebi emphasized the need for a structural transformation. Stating that the school climate should be evaluated not only through students but also through the sense of belonging and trust of teachers and administrators, Çelebi reminded the main purpose of education with the words, “We are not only implementing a curriculum; we are raising human beings.” She also emphasized the importance of discussing kindness instead of bullying, stating that kindness-based approaches not only transform the school climate but also increase students’ well-being and academic success. Çelebi said, “While the impact of combating bullying is limited and short-term, kindness-focused efforts produce more lasting results in the long term.”

In the afternoon session of the program, workshops were held under the leadership of İZÜ faculty members.