ABUSE AND CYBERBULLYING

Decision Theatre – Abuse is a 2 × 45-minute interactive theatre and mental health session that examines the phenomenon of school bullying and cyberbullying through psychological and social perspectives. The professional framework of the programme was developed by the creators of Decision Theatre in collaboration with mental health professionals and educational advisors.

The starting point of the session is the understanding that abuse is rarely the act of a single individual: the reactions of the community, the silence of bystanders, and group dynamics all contribute to whether a situation escalates or comes to a halt. The story takes place in a classroom, where a girl considered “different” gradually becomes the target of others: mockery, group messages, and online humiliation grow increasingly intense.

During the dramatic scene, students are placed in decision-making situations at two key moments: should they speak up, should they help, or should they remain outside the conflict? In the reflective part of the session, participants examine together how the roles of victim, abuser, and bystander function, and how group pressure and the distribution of responsibility take shape.

The aim of the programme is to help students recognise their own role in community situations, strengthen their empathy and their ability to stand up for others, and understand that the decisions of a community have a real impact on a person’s sense of safety and mental well-being.

Real people are hurt in online spaces too