Paranit Tackles Peer Bullying in Cooperation with TOÇEV

Peer bullying stands out as a problem frequently observed worldwide and in Turkey regardless of private or public school settings. This issue, which has multiple underlying causes, occurs at a rate of 12 to 55 percent among primary school children in different countries globally, while in Turkey it is observed at a rate of 5 to 65 percent. Peer bullying, frequently encountered among primary school-age children, ranks among the leading issues causing children to hurt and negatively affect one another, whether consciously or unconsciously. Problems such as head lice infestation, which can happen to any child, are also among the notable topics related to peer bullying. Paranit, in cooperation with TOÇEV, aims to raise awareness among children in this age group against peer bullying, while also supporting those affected by lice infestation with compassion and saying "gone with love." Operating under the Perrigo umbrella, Paranit illuminates the issue of peer bullying, which is in the global spotlight, with the healing power of love through the "Gone with Love" awareness project carried out with TOÇEV. The project raises awareness so that children understand the concept of bullying, can observe emotional differences experienced during bullying processes, express their feelings without fear, and do not violate others' rights while protecting their own. Through interactive methods, the aim is to develop students' expression and empathy abilities. Training conducted through various games and awareness discussions led by expert psychologists helps prevent peer bullying and supports children's development into more conscious individuals. Paranit, whose content was prepared based on research conducted by Dr. Nesteren Gazioğlu, Director of Maltepe University Technology and Human Relations Application and Research Center (MATİN), Assoc. Prof. Ferzan Curun, Member of MATİN Board of Management, and Research Assistant Zeynep Ece Tezel of the Faculty of Education, and whose awareness project trainings are delivered by Psychologist Burcu Gökbulut, wishes to reach all children. Paranit and TOÇEV particularly aim to normalize issues such as head lice infestation, which any child can experience and frequently emerges in peer bullying situations, and remind children that they are not alone in order to solve problems without fear or shame. Paranit and TOÇEV, shedding light on children during their difficult processes, aim to prevent peer bullying through a project that has been ongoing for two years and has reached 1,835 students in 36 schools across 16 provinces since 2021.