Andrei brakes the silence
- Tags: active witnessing, no-contact, ostracism, peer support, school protocol, verbal/physical/digital bullying
Setting
At the change of classes in high school, lockers clatter like dominoes and the hallway smells of wet coats and marker. At recess, Andrei always occupies the quietest corner, while his phone vibrates with messages no one should receive.
Situation
Since 6th grade, the “pranks” on Andrei became a habit: nicknames, hidden things, ugly notes on his desk, pushing and shoving in the hallway, and messages on social media saying “you’re worthless”. He learned to try to disappear at recess, but he was always found. Studying began to fail and the nights were filled with dark thoughts. One day, his silence was so great that a teacher noticed and asked. Andrei dared to speak. The teacher alerted his parents and management: there were consequences for the aggressors and the school took serious measures. Andrei understood that he was not alone and that asking for help is not shame: it is a door.
Key dialogue
– “They are just jokes, relax.”
– “No, it hurts and it stops here.”
– “I want what’s best for you, you tell me?”
– “Yes… I need help.”
Rewrite the story
I am your partner and today I act.
1. Now (10 s): I stand next to you and say clearly: “Space. No pushing and shoving, no name calling.
2. Safe exit (1-2 min): I accompany you to the teacher who listens; we register time/place and ask for no-contact and vigilance in “hot spots”.
3. In networks: I cut the gossip (“don’t forward, delete”) and report messages with two allies. I write you direct support and invite you to the noiseless group of the course.
4. Breaks (48-72 h): we set up a support pair/group so you are not alone and we notify the counseling office if the harassment moves from one place to another.
5. Week 1: I ask for visible rules in class (no name-calling, no pushing, anti-bullying protocol) and a common cut-off sign: “Stop: we care here”.
6. If retaliation occurs: escalate with witnesses to CPE/management and ask for written follow up.
Roles at table: Andrei, lead aggressor, followers, peer ally (narrator), teacher who detects, CPE/management, families.