Like father, like son. Parental education and augmented reality to prevent bullying among children.

The LFLS project idea is based on previous intensive work in the field of prevention of child abuse and violence. The relevant literature and publications state that key risk factors include: not conforming to gender norms, physical appearance, race, nationality or colour and that that both school and family environments could reduce abusive behaviour of children, as both perpetrators or victims and that the schools do not provide enough information that could lead to violence Also, literature reveals a certain relationship between parenting and child aggressive behaviour as to lack of authority and good communication usually correspond bullying behaviours or victimization ones. Children do not misbehave when felt monitored and understood by their parents: the parent-son conflict could negatively influence the child's self-esteem and induce bullying, either for a child to become a bully or to be bullied. Sometimes, parents do not even believe that bullying is a fact, and that this is something the child should deal with his or her peers. Following that, with the project LFLS we wanted to improve parent’s knowledge, skills and tools to support them and contribute in the prevention of bullying and children violence.

Through the implementation of Like Father Like Son project we wanted to equip parents and guardians of children (10-15 years old) with knowledge, skills and tools to support them deal with such issues and contribute in the prevention of bullying and children violence. Specifically, we wanted to: Design an educational framework through learning materials and AR game, based on the lifelong learning needs of parents. Motivate parents towards digital literacy and conscious parental control of mobile applications and social networks used by their children (10-15). Empower and educate parents to transmit values of tolerance and non-discrimination to their children so that they do not grow up as bullies or as victims. Raise awareness of parents, guardians, children and other key stakeholders about the importance of prevention of bullying and children violence.

The LFLS project was implemented through the following activities: Project management and implementation – creation of all documents aimed at structure, plans, communication, preparation and dissemination activities as well as monitoring the progress, deadlines and quality of the project. Throughout the project, 12 online meetings of partners were held, as well as 4 TPMs, all in hybrid format. 5-day LTTA training was held and designed for the direct target group to approach the project results. In total, 10 Multipliers events (9 in person and 1 online) were held in 5 partners countries to represent results, developed through the project. Specific activities related to project results include: Desk research and creation of the Comparative analysis of the current situation in five European countries, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Croatia and Spain reviewing legal framework, relevant statistics, key stakeholders and good practices dealing with child bullying and violence. Field research including interviews and focus groups with parents followed by creation of Syllabus – using input from the direct target group of the project (parents of children between 10 and 15 years old) this syllabus address the needs identified. Creation of the LFLS Learning Material – targeting the needs of parents and guardians of children. Digitalization of the developed material, by creation the scenarios that is integrated in the LFLS AR game – to empower children to develop key skills in relation to combating and preventing bullying incidents. Pilot testing of the materials and the game to collect feedback and to integrate improvements into an AR game. Preparation of Guidelines for parents – providing practical guidelines for parents on how to use the developed material.

Concrete outputs related to project results include: Desk research and creation of the Comparative transnational analysis of the current situation in five European countries, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Croatia and Spain reviewing legal framework, relevant statistics, key stakeholders and good practices dealing with child bullying and violence. 5 desk researches for each country and Comparative analysis in English. Field research including interviews and focus groups with parents in 5 countries. Field research reports available in English. Comparative report available in English. Syllabus – created by using input from the direct target group of the project (parents of children between 10 and 15 years old). Available in 5 languages EN, CRO, IT, GR, ES. The LFLS Learning Material targeting the needs of parents and guardians of children. Available in 5 languages EN, CRO, IT, GR, ES. Scenarios integrated in the LFLS AR game – to empower children to develop key skills in relation to combating and preventing bullying incidents. AR Game available in 5 languages. Booklet available in 5 languages EN, CRO, IT, GR, ES. Pilot testing of the materials and the game. Final pilot testing results as booklet available in EN. Gameful chat sessions including 6 topics: Cultural diversity, Gender identity, Mental health, Dissability and protective factors related to Sharing content online and Violence and sexual abuse. 6 text files (publications) available in EN. Guidelines for parents – providing practical guidelines for parents on how to use the developed material. Publication available in 5 languages EN, CRO, IT, GR, ES.