SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 2nd May (EUROPA PRESS) –
The number of confirmed bullying cases in the Canary Islands has shown a 31 percent decrease this school year, with a 44 percent reduction in the activation of resources for investigation, according to data from the Bullying Prevention and Assistance Service in Schools (SPACAE) under the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity, and Sports.
From 1st September to 1st March, there have been 16 confirmed cases of possible bullying in the Canary Islands, which is seven cases fewer compared to the same period in the previous year.
Moreover, the activations of relevant services following potential cases of physical or verbal harassment have decreased from 256 to 145, as outlined by the Ministry of Education in a recent statement.
These statistics highlight the continuous decline in resource activation requests and bullying confirmations, a positive trend likely attributed to the appointment of well-being and student protection coordinators in all public and funded schools across the Canary Islands, as noted by Poli Suárez’s Ministry.
This data release coincides with the observance of the ‘International Day against Bullying’ on Thursday.
On this occasion, the Canary Islands Government “reiterates its commitment to combat bullying by reinforcing and updating both the regulatory framework and mechanisms in place to ensure that our schools are safe, respectful, and free from violence,” according to David Pablos, the General Director of Teaching Regulation, Inclusion, and Innovation.
In parallel, since the previous year, schools have introduced the role of well-being and student protection coordinators, responsible for preventing, identifying, intervening, and supporting potential bullying cases within the educational institutions of the archipelago.
These coordinators also oversee the action protocol in case of bullying, contribute to coexistence plan design or updates, and foster activities to promote positive coexistence.
Additionally, they implement mediation services for peaceful conflict resolution and collaborate in activities, campaigns, and programs dedicated to preventing bullying and enhancing student well-being and protection.
EDUCATION
To uphold its anti-bullying commitment, the Ministry has significantly invested in training and supporting well-being and student protection coordinators in recent months, ensuring that Canarian educational establishments offer secure and supportive environments for individual and social well-being.
TEACHER DEVELOPMENT
During the current academic year 23-24, training sessions were conducted in the first quarter targeting teachers new to this coordination role. Subsequently, in the second quarter, conferences were organised to enhance school coexistence for all teachers striving for student well-being, fostering inclusive, safe, and bullying-free environments in the Canary Islands schools.
The Ministry also administers various programmes and projects that foster a safe atmosphere for both teachers and students.
For instance, initiatives such as the Centers Plan for Positive Coexistence, projects within the Educate for Equality Programme, the Diversity Attention Plan, or themes like the InnovAS Equality and Affective Sexual and Gender Education network are implemented. It also includes projects focusing on health and emotional education, such as the School and Health Programme.
Furthermore, the Ministry announces that between 7th and 22nd May, the gathering of the Centers Plan for Positive Coexistence will occur in the provinces of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, with the aim of sharing experiences and best practices for enhancing coexistence as implemented by the participating schools during this academic year. It is estimated that around 200 teachers from the archipelago will take part in this event.
