Linz (OTS) – Experiences of bullying leave scars that can stay with you throughout your life. At a total of seven “youth dialogue meetings” in the AK district offices, 200 youth workers, educators, etc. exchanged ideas on the topic of bullying and possible solutions. The child and youth advocate provided technical input. The common tenor of all participants: Don’t look away, but look!
This fall, the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor again organized youth dialogue meetings in a total of seven AK district offices. A total of 200 people who work with young people and support them in the transition from school to work took part. The focus of the discussions and exchange was the topic of bullying. “As AK, the exchange with the experts is very important to us. From their daily work with young people, they know where the problem is and what challenges the young people are faced with. Especially when it comes to bullying, it is important to look and recognize the problem
“, says AK President Andreas Stangl.
Bullying is no longer just an issue in the classroom
In the age of Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp & Co., bullying often takes on different dimensions than it used to. Because it no longer “just” takes place in the classroom, but rather accompanies young people throughout their everyday lives. In addition to physical and psychological violence, sexual violence is also increasing due to access to media and content. Another problem area: Anyone who is confronted with bullying during school runs the risk of being affected in later life, for example at work. Bullying often leaves deep wounds that are repeatedly scratched open.
What can those who work with young people every day do against bullying? Above all, one thing: sensitize young people. But also strengthen the values of loyalty and community. A common demand of the participants in the youth dialogue meetings is training for teachers and peer training for young people. Making bullying an issue and not looking away is the essence of all measures.
Anyone who trivializes enables bullying and violence
In order to be able to intervene in bullying incidents in a targeted and helpful manner, the professional cooperation of all people and institutions working in the field of children and youth is a prerequisite, according to the premise of the state’s child and youth advocate (KiJA OÖ). At the same time, preventing bullying and violence is a central task, because children’s and young people’s rights apply in all areas of life, including on the Internet.
„You can’t be uninvolved in bullying and violence in your environment! Those who look on and away, those who trivialize, enable and reinforce violence. They are the ones who can stop and prevent bullying!
“, says Mag.a Christine Winkler-Kirchberger, head of the Upper Austrian Child and Youth Advocate.
What you can do against bullying in the workplace
Bullying is not only an issue at school and online, but also in the workplace. The Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor has a number of demands to counter bullying at work and thus improve working conditions:
- Workplaces must be designed in such a way that the risk of conflict, bullying or violence in the workplace is reduced (duty of care)
- Sufficient human resources are important for preventing violence in the workplace because time and work pressure are reduced.
- Enforceable works agreements are necessary to strengthen the works council in its role in cases of violence and conflict
- Information about how companies deal with conflicts, bullying and violence in the workplace is important for employees
- Workers who are confronted with violence at work deserve protection and a wide range of aftercare and support
You can find a printable photo here.
vlnr: Barbara Langthaler (KiJa) Katharina Maierl (KiJA), Martin Mahringer (AKOÖ), Sanela Hadaier (AKOÖ)
Questions & Contact:
Chamber of Labor Upper Austria – Communication
Bianca Karr-Sajtarevic, MSc
+43 (0)50 6906 2174
karr-sajtarevic.b@akooe.at
ooe.arbeiterkammer.at