Anti-bullying games. The perception of portuguese teachers and educators

Abstract

The objective of this study is to verify if the teachers of the first Cycle of Basic Education and the childhood educators, in Portugal, consider the use of specific games to prevent bullying as pertinent. The study involved 276 first cycle teachers and 276 early childhood educators of both genders. The instrument used is a questionnaire inspired by Olweus (1989), although adapted by the author to the adult population of the study. Analysis of the results shows that most teachers and educators believe that it is pertinent to initiate bullying prevention during preschool education. One part knows at least one type of instrument or protocol to act in cases of bullying, in the institution where they work, and most defend the use of the playful nature of games as a preventive and sensitizing strategy in the early levels of formal education. The information obtained encourages the use of primary bullying prevention measures through the recreational dimension. When the game is well planned and tested, it is a tool that helps the developing of children's knowledge and skills, enabling them to gain autonomy and learn to respect the rules, providing moments of motivation, communication and positive and correct attitudes towards others.