Social and Legal Mechanisms for Prevention and Counteraction to Bullying in Youth Environment

摘要

The scale of bullying in Ukraine and in the world in general is confirmed by statistical data and by the research data, and this scale calls for measures to secure a proper response to it. The bullying problem is international, and deployment of measures to prevent and curtail it requires an innovative approach, which encompasses using the results of modern social and psychological research to create the relevant social models for combating the phenomenon, and codifying the supportive mechanisms for this in laws and regulations. The analysis of international scholarly and practical experience of preventing and curtailing bullying shows that it is possible to apply it in Ukraine, provided that the national specificity is taken into account. Legislative support is required to improve enforcement of proper punishment by warning or fine for bullying, as is further research of the issue, deployment and implementation of innovative technologies for curtailing this phenomenon, in particular such as introducing hotlines for instant counselling, improvement of police support, deployment of mediation services in schools, etc.