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How Education and Theater Can Change the
Reality of Bullying in Schools and Society
Imagine a world where every child feels safe to be themselves, free from
fear of judgment or aggression. Discover how combating bullying with education
and creativity can transform lives and build a more humane future!
Bullying is an open
wound in society, a practice that leaves deep scars on children, youth, and
even adults. Defined by Brazil’s federal law nº 13.185 of 2016 as repetitive
acts of physical or psychological violence aimed at intimidating and causing
suffering, bullying is present in schools, workplaces, and even on social
media. Studies from Yale University (Espelage & Swearer, 2021) show that
about 20% of students worldwide experience some form of bullying, with impacts
ranging from low self-esteem to anxiety and depression disorders. In Brazil,
the reality is no different: bullying is a scourge that spreads, often
disguised as a “joke.” The theatrical play “Bullying, the Tears of God,”
written by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, dives into this issue, using theater as a
tool to raise awareness and educate, showing that silence and omission are
accomplices to this violence.
Curiosity! Did you know that
bullying can reduce a child’s academic performance by up to 15%? This happens
because the stress it causes interferes with concentration and memory. (Source:
Journal of Child Psychology, 2022)
Science explains why
bullying is so devastating. It activates brain areas linked to fear and stress,
such as the amygdala, which can lead to long-lasting trauma. A study from
Harvard University (McEwen, 2020) revealed that children who are victims of
bullying have a higher risk of developing mental health issues in adulthood.
But there is hope: emotional education can change this scenario. The MAT
(Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology, created by Antônio Carlos dos
Santos, combines neuroscience and theater to teach children to recognize
emotions, develop empathy, and address conflicts constructively. In the play
“Bullying, the Tears of God,” characters experience bullying situations and
learn to transform pain into dialogue, inspiring the audience to take action.
Practical Tip: Organize a circle of
conversation at school or home. Ask each child to share a positive story about
friendship or respect. This strengthens bonds and creates a supportive
environment.
Bullying is not just
an individual problem; it is a collective issue. It thrives in environments
where there are power imbalances and complicit silence. The ThM (Theater Movement)
methodology, by Antônio Carlos, uses body movements to help children and youth
express suppressed feelings, such as fear or anger, in a safe way. A study from
the University of Cambridge (Eisner & Malti, 2021) showed that
social-emotional learning programs reduce bullying cases in schools by 25%. In
practice, ThM can be applied in workshops where participants “dance” their
emotions, creating narratives that promote inclusion. The play “Bullying, the
Tears of God” uses this approach, inviting the audience to reflect on the role
of each person—victim, aggressor, or bystander—in changing this reality.
Inspiring Story: At 12 years old,
Malala Yousafzai faced bullying for advocating girls’ education in Pakistan.
Even after surviving an attack on her life, she transformed her pain into
activism, becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her story shows
that courage can overcome violence.
The play “Bullying,
the Tears of God” also highlights the importance of community in the fight
against bullying. Schools, parents, and educators play a central role in
creating welcoming environments. The Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater (MBPT)
methodology, developed by Antônio Carlos, uses puppets to tell stories that
deconstruct prejudices. In a MBPT activity, for example, a puppet might
represent a shy child facing bullying and, with the support of peers, finding
their voice. Studies from the University of Toronto (Hymel & Darwich, 2020)
indicate that narrative-based interventions increase empathy by 30% among children.
These stories, like those in the play, show that everyone can be an agent of
change.
Motivational Quote: “Every act of
kindness is a drop that dries the tears of bullying.” – Antônio Carlos dos
Santos
The impact of bullying
extends beyond the immediate victim; it affects society as a whole. Extreme
cases, such as the attack at Rui Brasil State School in Suzano in 2019, show
how untreated violence can lead to tragedies. Neuroscience explains that
chronic bullying can alter brain structure, reducing the ability to regulate
emotions. The MAT methodology, by teaching conflict resolution skills, helps
prevent such outcomes. For instance, a practical MAT activity involves staging
a dialogue between an aggressor and a victim, with a mediator guiding the
conversation. This practice, supported by studies from Stanford University
(Cohen, 2021), strengthens emotional resilience and reduces aggressive
behaviors.
Curiosity! Bullying prevention
programs can increase students’ sense of belonging to a school community by up to
40%. (Source: American Psychological Association, 2023)
Theatrical education
also plays a unique role in bullying prevention. The ThM methodology transforms
complex feelings into movements, allowing children to express what they cannot
verbalize. Imagine a child who has faced bullying “dancing” their story in a
workshop, turning sadness into art. A study from the University of Oxford
(Jones & Lemos, 2022) showed that arts-based activities reduce stress
levels in youth by 20%. In the play “Bullying, the Tears of God,” scenes of
body movement are used to show how unity can overcome violence, inspiring the
audience to create collective solutions.
Practical Tip: Create an “empathy
mural” at school or home. Ask each person to write or draw something they would
like to receive from others, such as “a smile” or “a hug.” This encourages
reflection on the impact of actions.
The family is also
essential in the fight against bullying. Parents who openly discuss emotions
and respect with their children build a strong foundation for prevention. The MBPT
methodology can be adapted for home use, where parents and children use puppets
to tell stories about inclusion. A study from the University of Michigan
(Scholte & Van Aken, 2021) showed that children with emotionally engaged
parents are 35% less likely to be involved in bullying, either as victims or
aggressors. Antônio Carlos’ play reinforces this idea, showing that love and
dialogue at home are the first steps toward a fairer world.
Inspiring Story: Singer Ed Sheeran faced
bullying in childhood due to his appearance and stuttering. He found refuge in
music, transforming his experiences into songs that now inspire millions. His
journey proves that art can heal and empower.
Finally, combating
bullying is an act of hope. Every school that adopts prevention programs, every
family that teaches empathy, and every community that rejects violence
contributes to a more humane future. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ methodologies,
backed by scientific evidence, show that theater and education can turn tears
into smiles. As educator Rodoux Faugh said, “education is the fastest and most
effective way to lead humanity from barbarism to civilization.” The play
“Bullying, the Tears of God” is an invitation for everyone—children, parents, educators,
and society—to commit to building a world where no one has to cry for being
themselves.
Motivational Quote: “Where there is
empathy, bullying finds no room. Let’s build bridges, not walls.” – Rodoux
Faugh
Conclusion: Bullying may bring
tears, but education, theater, and unity can transform them into hope. Get
inspired, act, and be part of the change. Start today—a kind word can change a
life!
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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