A Mentalization-based Anti-bullying Programme in Greece

"Understanding School Bullying" is an anti-bullying prevention programme developed by the Association for Psychosocial Health of Children and Adolescents (A.P.H.C.A.) for Schools in Greece. It is part of the project: "A Mentalization-based Anti- Bullying Programme for Secondary Schools in Greece" which also includes a "Specialised Mental Health Unit" for the support and treatment of children, adolescents, young persons and their families. This programme has a holistic approach and is based on the extensive experience that A.P.H.C.A. has developed in the field of bullying - prevention in Greece, since 2005. It has an integrative character and is in the same line with the work of D. Olweus and other experts on the field. The main focus of the programme is the development of mentalizing capacities in all the persons involved. Thus, the programme is basically inspired by the ideas of P. Fonagy & A. Bateman on Mentalization, and by the C.A.P.S.L.E. programme by P. Fonagy & S.Twemlow. The programme is implemented by A.P.H.C.A. (www.epsype.gr) in Greek Schools during the years 2012-2014 and is financed by an exclusive donation from the "Stavros Niarchos" foundation (www.SNF.org). This educational film was made under the pilot implementation of the above mentioned programme.