KIVA

KiVa is the Finnish word for ‘nice’, and in reference to the KiVa programme it stands for ‘against bullying’ or ‘anti-bullying’. Originating in Finland, the KiVa programme is evidence-based and has been shown to reduce bullying and to increase well-being at school!  KiVa is a permanent whole school way of action to prevent and stop bullying. It’s goals are to:

• Reduce bullying
• Prevent new bullying incidents from occurring
• Minimise the negative effects caused by bullying

How does ‘KiVa’ work?
‘KiVa’ has two main aspects:

• A preventative classroom learning programme
• Clear processes for tackling incidences of bullying

Why is ‘KiVa’ important?
Bullying is an abuse of power and strength. On average, 10% of school-aged children are targeted by systematic bullying. New Zealand has higher than usual reported incidents of bullying.

What is bullying?
Harmful behaviour/degrading treatment which is…

• Deliberate
• Repeated
• Targeted at a relatively defenseless or a less powerful person

What is NOT bullying?
Bullying is not…

• A conflict
• An argument
• A fight

Learning Programme
Students undertake ‘KiVa’ lessons.  During KiVa lessons the students will learn about ways to prevent, reduce and minimise bullying behaviours. KiVa is visible in many ways in the daily life at school. The lessons (1 per month) include discussions, group work, short films about bullying, and role play. Many lessons concentrate on the role a group can have in maintaining or stopping bullying; the students think about and practise different ways to resist bullying. The lessons are supplemented by the KiVa anti-bullying computer game.
It is important that all the students understand that they can make a difference – “Let’s stop bullying together!” This is the big idea behind the KiVa programme.

Tackling Incidences of Bullying
The KiVa team and the class teacher tackle the bullying cases together by addressing the children involved in the bullying, as well as helping and supporting the victimised pupil. The critical factor in the KiVa programme is the awareness, and development of, empathy for others. We have a KiVa team of four teachers who have undergone specific training. Together with the class teacher they tackle incidences of bullying.

What can parents do to reduce bullying?
If you suspect your child is being bullied or you have a reason to believe that s/he is bullying others, please contact the school so that the matter can be dealt with as efficiently and as soon as possible! Discuss bullying together with your child even if s/he is not bullied or does not bully others. It is important that you and your child together think about what to do if someone is being bullied at his/her school!
Parents need to:

• Take any bullying situation seriously
• Cooperate with the school
• Trust in the school’s ability to handle the matter

Let’s join our children in reducing, preventing, and minimising the effects of bullying!

KiVa information sheet.pdf