Our efforts to prevent bullying are most effective when we work with and support children’s communities and help them to be good friends.
That was the message echoed by 2,941 children and their parents in Mindeparken in Aarhus last weekend and in Fælledparken in Copenhagen today, when The Mary Foundation and Save the Children Denmark organised the Free of Bullying Children’s Run in these two Danish cities.
The festive children’s run marks the fight against bullying and the importance of a concerted and preventive effort. The distance was one kilometre, which the children covered using a small purple teddy bear as their relay baton. All the children were awarded a medal as they passed the finish line.
Children’s well-being is a shared responsibility. At this year’s races, parents were introduced to seven good tips on what they can do to help prevent bullying.
“The Free of Bullying Children’s Run is about joining forces against bullying. We also use the day to reach out to parents and make them aware of their important roles as guides and role models for their children’s social lives. We present parents with seven tips on how to help prevent bullying and encourage them to discuss the tips with other parents – because our children’s well-being is something we foster in collaboration with other children’s parents,” said Lene Lykkegaard, project coordinator for Free of Bullying at Save the Children Denmark.
Free of Bullying is the result of a partnership between The Mary Foundation and Save the Children Denmark and is supported by Ole Kirk’s Foundation. Since 2007, the programme has helped teachers foster children’s communities based on tolerance, respect, care and courage among 0–8-year-olds.
Of the 2,941 children who participated, 788 ran in Aarhus last weekend and 2,153 completed the route in Copenhagen today.
The Free of Bullying Children’s Run is organised in collaboration with Aarhus 1900 and Sparta. DHL and WHEAT are event sponsors.
