Professor Judy Hutchings, from the Centre for Evidence Based Early Intervention at Bangor University, has recently been named Researcher of the Month at Tooled up Education for her contributions to the KiVa Anti-Bullying Intervention. Professor Hutchings shared her insights on the program’s success during an engaging conversation on Dr. Kathy Weston’s “Get a Grip! Parenting Podcast.” You can listen to the podcast online here.
KiVa, originally developed in Finland, has shown success in reducing bullying and improving school environments. In a large-scale study conducted in the UK with over 11,000 children from 118 primary schools, the KiVa program resulted in a 13% reduction in bullying, while also fostering more positive school dynamics. This evidence-based approach equips students, teachers, and parents with the tools they need to address bullying and create a more supportive school culture.
Key Aspects of the KiVa Program
- Whole-School Involvement: KiVa takes a whole-school approach, ensuring that every member of the school community—students and staff alike—has a role to play in preventing bullying.
- Empathy and Understanding: The program encourages children to recognize the impact of bullying on others and fosters a culture of kindness, empathy, and peer support.
- Proactive and Reactive Strategies: KiVa not only addresses bullying when it occurs but also includes preventive measures to reduce future incidents.
Professor Hutchings’ recognition as Researcher of the Month underscores the significant impact of her work in advancing effective solutions to bullying. The success of the KiVa program demonstrates the value of evidence-based practices in creating safer, more inclusive school environments. We are excited to continue supporting the conversation around KiVa and its positive influence on schools in the UK and beyond.