The KiVa method: a strategy to end bullying

The bullying or “bullying” is a repeated form of violence that causes damage to the victim at different levels, from their social relationships to their self-esteem.. Its objective is to subdue through intimidation. Although we have it associated with schools, it can extend to social networks and different areas. The consequences are disastrous for the victims, both physically and psychologically. To combat this scourge, the KiVa method was created in Finland.

The protagonists of this situation are usually minors, in the adolescent stage, and unfortunately It is a type of violence that occurs in many societies. Although it is true that technology, especially widespread in the Western world, has practically disappeared the spaces in which the victim feels safe.

The most worrying thing about this situation is the increase in cases in recent years in school education centers. Even worse, Some bullying situations are so intense and frequent that the victim only sees one way out: suicide.. For this reason, in some countries around the world, measures are beginning to be taken to solve this problem.

Finland, an example for the world

Experts point out that in some schools bullying exceeds 70%. For this reason, they have asked the educational community to recognize this reality. On the other hand, and even more important, they adopt prevention measures where abuse and harassment are incipient.

Finland constitutes an example for the world with the creation of the KIVa method, whose results after its application are encouraging. This Nordic country took on the challenge of ending bullying in its educational system. As a result of this specialized intervention, Finland has managed to reduce bullying by up to 90% in recent years.

This has earned it all kinds of praise worldwide, such as ranking first in quality of education. primary and higher. Additionally, it has first place in training in the Global Competitiveness Index (IGC). All this as a consequence of a high level of social awareness and having allocated a significant amount of resources to education.

At the moment Finland is considered one of the most innovative and creative countries in Europe and the world.. It should be noted that the consequences of bullying not only affect those directly involved, but the entire educational community and extends to their families.

What is the KIVa method?

The term KIVa results from merging the first syllable of the two words that mean bullying in Finnish.. The application of this revolutionary method has spread to most educational centers and its success has not been long in coming. So much so, that educators consider it an essential tool for working with their students.

The KIVa project was the result of an express request made by the government to the educational community of that country, based on preliminary and worrying studies on school violence. Given this request, professionals from different areas and institutions of various kinds worked together to develop the KIVa method.

In its experimental phase, this program yielded surprising results. During the first year, bullying was reduced by 41%. Within a few years, bullying had decreased by 80%. All of this, additionally, motivated schoolchildren to study more and obtain better grades. These spectacular figures speak for themselves, which has sparked unusual interest in educational conglomerates worldwide.

The great success of the KIVa method was not to focus exclusively on the confrontation between the harasser and the victim. The gaze was directed towards the spectator, who indirectly participated in the abuse in question and reinforced it.. It was not about inducing the harassed to reveal his feelings as a result of the harassment, nor was it about instigating the aggressor to feel empathy for his victim.

Deciphering the puzzle

The key was to act on the students who witnessed this situation and who, in general, responded with laughter.. These spectators could have an inclination of rejection, when witnessing the aggression. However, they ended up internalizing it as something normal and even fun. Therefore, the purpose of the KIVa method was to influence bystanders so that they would not indirectly participate in these bullying situations.

The program, in its initial phase, was concerned with teaching children aged seven and older.. I wanted them to be able to identify the different modalities of bullying. This instruction is made up of courses, in which different topics related to school abuse are discussed and analyzed. Empathy, respect for others and moral values ​​are also taught.

Pedagogical resources such as video games, manuals and talks are used. All this is reinforced with instructions for teachers, surveillance during breaks and accompaniment. in group work. A virtual mailbox was even created in which the student could report if she was a victim of abuse or had witnessed it.

Results of the application of the program

In each school where it is applied, the principal selects a group of three responsible adults per class.. These will ensure compliance with the method and will learn to use tools that allow timely detection and investigation of all forms of bullying that occur at school.

This process includes dialogue with the harassed, to calm him down; and with the aggressor to raise awareness. On the other hand, they talk to the spectators about the event, since they constitute the cornerstone of the project. Finally, a verification follow-up is carried out, which in most cases yields a positive result.

The drastic change brought about by the implementation of the KIVa method in Finnish schools is just a sample of its potential. Its application, at an early age, produces the best results. Additionally, it helps repair cracks in educational and family structures.

When minors are educated not to support, actively or passively, violent behavior of this type, we see how a change of mentality occurs in them. Programs like this materialize in achievements thanks to people who think that changes can be made in a society, to make it more cohesive, fair and supportive..

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