Combatting bullying and promoting mental wellbeing

Istituto Galilei-Costa-Scarambone, a state secondary school in Lecce, Italy, has forged a path in combating bullying and enhancing mental wellbeing through its student-led initiative, Mabasta ("stop it"). Established in 1885, the school caters to students in a community struggling with youth migration and economic disparity, driving change by fostering a culture of resilience and innovation.

The school’s flagship project is called Mabasta, which began in 2016 after students were moved by a fellow student’s suicide attempt due to bullying. The initiative champions a proactive anti-bullying strategy and has already engaged over 35,000 students across Italy with its unique peer-led model. The approach not only empowers students to monitor and report bullying through innovative tools like the digital "MabaDAD" but also fosters student leadership by involving them in ongoing school-wide dialogues, ensuring a sustainable, student-driven fight against bullying.

MabaDAD is best described as a "Digital Antibullying Desk" – or an online version of the "BulliBox" – allowing students, teachers, and parents to report bullying incidents anonymously using smartphones, tablets, or PCs. In addition to the confidential and accessible means of reporting, the platform helps the school to address the concerns promptly, enhancing Mabasta’s overall effectiveness and strategy in maintaining a safe and supportive school environment. Thanks to MabaDAD, the Mabasta project has measurably reduced bullying incidents and significantly improved the school climate.

Leaders at Istituto Galilei-Costa-Scarambone are deeply committed to a student-centric educational model, integrating entrepreneurship and personal growth, making the school a beacon of hope that counters youth migration by promoting local engagement. Their efforts are further exemplified by the annual Student Mental Health Week, aligning with global goals to support holistic wellbeing.

The Mabasta project's success is profound, with noted decreases in bullying and heightened awareness amongst students and staff. Success stories from across the country, where immediate behavioural shifts post-Mabasta intervention were observed, underscore the model’s efficacy. The school has embraced its role as a national leader in preventive education.

Should Istituto Galilei-Costa-Scarambone win the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives, the prize will be used to expand the Mabasta project nationally. This expansion aims to train teams in other regions and enhance awareness through digital campaigns, ultimately nurturing a safer educational environment across Italy.