Bullying among apprentices
The Ministry of Social Affairs' Apprentice Health Report reports that almost 19% of female and 11% of male apprentices have been victims of cyberbullying at least once in the last few months. These are figures that must lead to action.
The term bullying refers to a process that is clearly different from simple disputes in the workplace. Although there is no legal definition of bullying, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber’s definition of bullying summarizes the essential elements for which there is a general understanding: Bullying is understood to be behavior among employees (but also the employer) that aims to “hurt, intimidate, discourage, exclude or force a specific person in the company out of the employment relationship.” Bullying thus refers to a systematic and hostile process that is also defined by the fact that it lasts over a longer period of time.
The effects of bullying must be regarded as a massive problem that requires attention, as the consequences for those affected are an impairment of performance – often associated with loss of motivation, mistrust, nervousness, insecurity and social withdrawal. There is often talk of psychological and/or psychosomatic secondary illnesses, which in the worst case can lead to job loss or even occupational disability.
This is where the Fair Play Network (see Research section) comes in and develops a motivational bullying prevention program for apprentices. We are not aware of any offer that is specifically aimed at apprentices and includes their contexts at the workplace and vocational schools, i.e. also trainers. We are building on young people’s affinity for digital technologies and developing a consulting and training platform that includes a wide range of prevention and interaction measures – from serious games to workshops, “flight safety cards”, graphic novels, best practice, role models and much more.
