Seminar on ‘Violence and Peer Bullying’ for Middle School Students by a AUC Academic

Cyprus American University (AUC) Department of Psychology Lecturer, Clinical Psychologist Merve Karafistan, gave a seminar on “Violence and Peer Bullying” to 7th grade students at Meral and Vedat Ertüngü High School on December 12, 2025.

At the seminar, Karafistan pointed out that violence and peer bullying, which are becoming increasingly widespread today, have become a significant social problem, emphasizing that raising awareness on this issue is crucial in order to reach a wide audience. Karafistan defined peer bullying as children or adolescents of similar age or developmental level engaging in deliberate and repetitive harmful behavior towards each other. He stated that individuals exposed to bullying often find it difficult to defend themselves.

The seminar covered the basic characteristics of peer bullying, types of bullying, the negative effects of bullying behavior on individuals, and preventive measures that can be taken against such behavior. Karafistan stated that he involved students interactively throughout the seminar and that students participated actively by giving correct and conscious answers to his questions.

At the end of her speech, Karafistan emphasized that touching someone’s life can have a ripple effect on many people, stating, “Touching one person is changing the world.” She also expressed that sharing accurate information leads to positive behavioral changes. Also touching on the importance of empathy, Lecturer Merve Karafistan underscored that everyone should ask themselves, “How would I feel if I were in the same situation?”