Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) met with middle school students as part of the “Science Café” events, which bring the University and society together. The talk titled “Say No to Violence,” organized by the BEUN Science Communication Office within the scope of awareness-raising activities for the “October 2 International Day of Non-Violence,” was held at Gazi Mustafa Kemal Middle School.
In the program moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, Head of the BEUN Science Communication Office, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin, Director of the BEUN Psychological Counseling and Guidance Application and Research Center, met with students as a speaker.
“Violence Is Not Always Physical; Excluding Someone Is Also a Form of Violence”
Speaking at the opening of the talk, Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin emphasized that saying no to violence does not only mean opposing physical acts, but also means placing empathy, respect and healthy communication at the center of life. Following Şahin’s question, “When we think of violence, do we only think of hitting?”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin asked the students what violence means.
Evaluating the students’ answers such as bad language, fighting, cyberbullying and threats, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin underlined that violence should never be considered only in its physical dimension. Stating that threats made through voice, text and images, especially with artificial intelligence, constitute digital violence today, Bilgin noted that being excluded from a group of friends or negative statements made by family members also fall within the scope of social and individual violence.
“Don’t Say ‘I Was Just Joking’: Where Does a Joke End and Bullying Begin?”
Clarifying the phrase “We were just joking,” which is frequently used among students, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin explained the boundaries between joking and bullying. He stated that when a person’s physical appearance is mocked or a person falls during a game, for example, if a group laughs and the person who is the target feels uncomfortable, this is not a “joke” but clearly “peer bullying.”
Stating that students who encounter such situations should not remain silent, Bilgin advised: “Leave the scene, take a deep breath to calm down, and report the situation to your teachers or family without wasting time. Do not respond to incidents with violence; acting in anger only leads to harm.”
Be Aware of the Dangers in Digital Media: “Everything Shared Is Recorded”
Responding to Asst. Prof. Dr. Toparlak Şahin’s question about digital violence, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin emphasized the importance of using technology correctly. Reminding students that digital media also carries serious risks, Bilgin stressed that every piece of data shared on social media or online games is recorded and, even if deleted, can be retrieved later in legal cases.
Stating that sharing photos and texts without permission and sending messages containing threats and insults are serious criminal acts, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin said that students exposed to digital pressure or threats on social media or in games should immediately inform their families, teachers and administrative units.
How Can You Tell If a Child Is Being Bullied? “Stop, Walk Away, Tell Someone and Ask for Help”
Addressing how it can be understood from the outside that a student is being bullied, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin stated that the most obvious signs include suddenly becoming withdrawn, experiencing sleep problems, loss of appetite, constantly appearing sad and crying. Explaining the golden rule that students exposed to violence or pressure should follow in their lives, Bilgin taught the students a four-step formula: “Stop! Walk Away! Tell Someone and Ask for Help!”
In the final part of the talk, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin answered the questions from the students and provided awareness-raising information. The program came to an end with enthusiastic applause from the students.
Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) met with middle school students as part of the “Science Café” events, which bring the University and society together. The talk titled “Say No to Violence,” organized by the BEUN Science Communication Office within the scope of awareness-raising activities for the “October 2 International Day of Non-Violence,” was held at Gazi Mustafa Kemal Middle School.
In the program moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, Head of the BEUN Science Communication Office, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin, Director of the BEUN Psychological Counseling and Guidance Application and Research Center, met with students as a speaker.
“Violence Is Not Always Physical; Excluding Someone Is Also a Form of Violence”
Speaking at the opening of the talk, Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin emphasized that saying no to violence does not only mean opposing physical acts, but also means placing empathy, respect and healthy communication at the center of life. Following Şahin’s question, “When we think of violence, do we only think of hitting?”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin asked the students what violence means.
Evaluating the students’ answers such as bad language, fighting, cyberbullying and threats, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin underlined that violence should never be considered only in its physical dimension. Stating that threats made through voice, text and images, especially with artificial intelligence, constitute digital violence today, Bilgin noted that being excluded from a group of friends or negative statements made by family members also fall within the scope of social and individual violence.
“Don’t Say ‘I Was Just Joking’: Where Does a Joke End and Bullying Begin?”
Clarifying the phrase “We were just joking,” which is frequently used among students, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin explained the boundaries between joking and bullying. He stated that when a person’s physical appearance is mocked or a person falls during a game, for example, if a group laughs and the person who is the target feels uncomfortable, this is not a “joke” but clearly “peer bullying.”
Stating that students who encounter such situations should not remain silent, Bilgin advised: “Leave the scene, take a deep breath to calm down, and report the situation to your teachers or family without wasting time. Do not respond to incidents with violence; acting in anger only leads to harm.”
Be Aware of the Dangers in Digital Media: “Everything Shared Is Recorded”
Responding to Asst. Prof. Dr. Toparlak Şahin’s question about digital violence, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin emphasized the importance of using technology correctly. Reminding students that digital media also carries serious risks, Bilgin stressed that every piece of data shared on social media or online games is recorded and, even if deleted, can be retrieved later in legal cases.
Stating that sharing photos and texts without permission and sending messages containing threats and insults are serious criminal acts, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin said that students exposed to digital pressure or threats on social media or in games should immediately inform their families, teachers and administrative units.
How Can You Tell If a Child Is Being Bullied? “Stop, Walk Away, Tell Someone and Ask for Help”
Addressing how it can be understood from the outside that a student is being bullied, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgin stated that the most obvious signs include suddenly becoming withdrawn, experiencing sleep problems, loss of appetite, constantly appearing sad and crying. Explaining the golden rule that students exposed to violence or pressure should follow in their lives, Bilgin taught the students a four-step formula: “Stop! Walk Away! Tell Someone and Ask for Help!”
In the final part of the talk, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin answered the questions from the students and provided awareness-raising information. The program came to an end with enthusiastic applause from the students.
