SafeSchools Alliance-UNICEF x Piraeus Bank
Scaling up action against bullying in schools
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A shared commitment to protect every child
UNICEF and Piraeus Bank are joining forces to prevent bullying and promote respect in schools across Greece, while strengthening the mental resilience and emotional well-being of students.
This new nationwide initiative marks the next phase of the successful collaboration between UNICEF and Piraeus Bank, which began in 2023 with a shared mission to protect children and promote their rights. Together, we have already supported systemic reforms in child protection, helping make Greece a safer place for children. Now, our partnership extends to schools—ensuring that every child can learn, grow and thrive free from violence.
The challenge
Bullying remains a serious problem in Greece. Nearly one in three adolescents reports being bullied, with significant consequences for their mental health, academic performance and future well-being. Boys are almost twice as likely as girls to engage in bullying, while younger adolescents (ages 11–13) are particularly vulnerable.
UNICEF and Piraeus Bank are helping schools move from reacting to bullying incidents to actively preventing them —focusing on positive school culture, resilience and community engagement.
Our joint action
Through this collaboration, UNICEF and the Piraeus Bank deliver a comprehensive package of activities, including:
- Developing practical tools for educators. A Bullying Prevention and Student Resilience Toolkit has been created to help teachers integrate anti-bullying activities into everyday school life. The toolkit includes 10 interactive classroom workshops, curriculum-aligned guidelines and resources for parents and caregivers.
- Training educators nationwide. At least 600 educators and school staff will receive training on how to prevent bullying, foster empathy and strengthen students’ life skills—such as stress management, active communication, conflict resolution and emotional regulation.
- Empowering students: At least 12,000 students across 200 schools will directly participate in activities that help them recognize and respond to bullying behaviours, build resilience, and develop stronger, more positive peer relationships.
- Measuring and sharing impact: An assessment to capture the programme’s impact will be conducted giving voice to students and teachers and highlighting results in a public dissemination event.
Long-term impact
The initiative supports Greece’s National Strategy for the Prevention of Violence and Response to Juvenile Delinquency (2025–2030) and advances progress toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, and 16 — health, quality education and peaceful, inclusive societies.
Preventing bullying not only protects children’s rights — it builds safer, more inclusive schools where students can learn effectively, develop essential life skills and contribute to a stronger, more compassionate society.
Resources for educators and parents
Under the UNICEF–Piraeus Bank programme we have developed resources such as:
- The educator toolkit on bullying prevention and student resilience
- Parent and caregiver leaflets and posters promoting empathy, respect and positive communication
Materials are free for download and printing here (available in Greek).
A partnership for every child
This partnership reflects Piraeus Bank’s commitment to creating a positive impact on society and UNICEF’s global mission to ensure that every child grows up safe, respected, and supported.
Together, we are building school communities where every child feels valued — and no child is left behind.