ULOGA EMAPTIJE UČENIKA U SPREČAVANJU VRŠNJAČKOG NASILJA
THE ROLE OF STUDENTS' EMPATHY IN PREVENTING PEER VIOLENCE

Author(s): Emina Kovačić
Subject(s): School education, Educational Psychology, Sociology of Education, Pedagogy
Published by: UNIVERZITET U SARAJEVU – PEDAGOŠKI FAKULTET
Keywords: empathy; defenders; preventive programs;
Summary/Abstract: We are increasingly confronted with peer violence which harms children in all areas. Whether it is physical or emotional violence, children can not defend them selves. Children who witness violence and actively help victims are called defenders whereas those who feel that violence is wrong but do nothing about it are passive defenders. The research carried out by Salmivalli (2010) has shown that 20 to 29 precent of children who witness violence actually do something to help the victim while 26 to 30 percent passively observe violence. In order for an observing child to attain to the end of violence, research have shown that they should possess a higher level of empathy. Empathy is important in regulating behavior in the social segment as well as in interpersonal relationships. The higher the level of empathy, the better prosocial behavior. Although there are prevention programs in schools, the rate of violence is still high. This paper will show prevention programs and the theoretical background of the role of the defender as well as the importance of empathy in preventing peer violence.

• Details
• Contents