Gamification and empathy: new digital tools to stop cyberbullying

Feb 6, 2026News

Bullying manifests itself through aggressive behaviour, repeated over time, such as insults, threats, exclusion or physical violence. Cyberbullying, on the other hand, exploits digital technologies and social networks to target victims with offensive messages, the dissemination of private images, public mockery or continuous harassment, often amplified by anonymity and the speed of the internet. The consequences of such behaviour can be very serious: low self-esteem, social isolation, anxiety, depression and, in the most extreme cases, self-harm. It is therefore essential never to minimise the signs of distress and to promote a culture based on respect, empathy and responsibility.

International Day Against Bullying and Cyberbullying, celebrated every year on 7 February, is a key moment for reflection and awareness-raising on a phenomenon that affects millions of children and adolescents around the world. It is a day dedicated to listening, awareness and collective commitment to building safer, more inclusive and respectful environments, both in real life and online.

This is the context for the concrete commitment of the Centre for Creative Development Danilo Dolci – ETS, which has been working for over twenty-five years to promote nonviolent development, participation and educational projects in collaboration with schools, institutions and communities, with the aim of fostering social inclusion and creative growth, with the reciprocal maieutic approach.

Among the Centre’s projects is SABE that aims to strengthen strategies to combat bullying and cyberbullying in European schools.

SABE‘s objectives include:

  • the development of an online learning platform with anti-bullying activities aimed at students aged between 7 and 16;
  • the creation of training courses for teachers on identifying, managing and preventing bullying;
  • the integration of technological resources and interactive learning to effectively address these complex dynamics in today’s digital society;
  • the promotion of dialogue between schools, students, teachers and other figures to raise awareness and skills in responding to bullying.

The project also involves testing innovative tools such as gamified scenarios to promote empathy, inclusion and the ability to react actively to aggressive behaviour, proposing an educational approach that fosters a more positive and participatory school environment. We are currently running a training course for teaching staff at I.C. Cassarà Guida in Partinico, focusing on the identification, management and prevention of bullying.

Saying “no” to bullying means choosing kind words, gestures of inclusion and the courage not to remain silent every day. Thanks to initiatives such as SABE, this symbolic day can be transformed into concrete and lasting action, capable of making a real difference in people’s lives, supporting students and teachers in building safer, more respectful and resilient school communities.

SABE – Strengthening Anti-Bullying Efforts: Addressing Violence in Schools around the EU is funded by Erasmus+ KA2 that aims to strengthen strategies to combat bullying and cyberbullying in European schools.

Partners

For further information, read the fact sheet, or contact Katarina Vuksan: katarina.vuksan@danilodolci.org.