UNICEF and the Ministry of Education join forces to tackle online bullying and build digital and media literacy in schools

SOFIA–BERKOVITSA, 12 November 2025 – The Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Natalia Mihalevska, and UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria, Christina de Bruin, held a field visit to  ‘Dr. Ivan Panov’ High School and “N. Y. Vaptsarov’ Primary School in Berkovitsa to review the progress of the “Steps Together” programme – a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and UNICEF aimed at building a positive and safe school environment.

The visit was part of UNICEF’s “Online Safety School” campaign and ongoing efforts to address aggression and violence in schools, including online bullying.

"Digitization and the protection of children and students in the online environment are among the top priorities of the Ministry of Education and Science. For the first time this year, we have developed a completely new national program for security and safe use of the Internet and cybersecurity in schools," said Deputy Minister Natalia Mihalevska.

Since this school year, UNICEF has been complementing the Ministry’s efforts to prevent online bullying and strengthen digital and media literacy in schools through additional activities and youth engagement. The objective is to expand support to schools across Bulgaria to build safe learning environments by developing children’s digital skills and their ability to recognize and protect themselves from online risks, as well as by promoting peer support for responsible and safe online behaviour.

“Today we face a worrying reality: bullying and aggressive behaviour are becoming more visible both in school and online. Too often, conversations focus on who is to blame. But what we truly need is a shift — from reaction to prevention. This is why integrating social and emotional learning into both school curricula and school-wide policies is not just important — it is essential. Creating a safe and supportive environment, including online, requires the combined efforts of everyone,” said Christina de Bruin during the event.

The Steps Together program is now reaching 10,000 students across the country and mentors are contributing to the even bigger results of the national programme of the MoES.  The programme includes:

• training for teachers;
• social and emotional learning workshops for students;
• parent engagement;
• support from external mentor;
• activities that empower children and young people.

During the event in Berkovitsa, students presented good practices such as the “Peacemakers” initiative, the creation of a “talking bench” as a symbol of support and tolerance, and a joint activity with younger students to help them recognize online risks.

"Cyberbullying is part of the modern world. There is no way it will disappear, and we, the young people, must learn to deal with it. It is important to share with someone if we become a victim or witness of cyberbullying, because a problem shared is a problem halved." – Teodora Ivanova, 16, ‘Dr. Ivan Panov’ High School, Berkovitsa.

In Berkovitsa, the programme has been implemented for a second year through the Regional Centre for Support of Inclusive Education – Montana.

As part of the event, a national competition was announced for school-led online safety campaigns in two age groups 12–14 and 15–18 years – under the “Online Safety School” initiative. Children from all schools in the country can participate, and a special jury composed of representatives from the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, along with popular music artists Eva and Robi and influencers Stan, Stefi, and Ei Bo, will select the most impactful campaigns to be implemented under the “Steps Together”programme.