Bullying at Internacional Aravaca:, always alert to school harassment

Coexistence, Prevention and Emotional Education. How Internacional Aravaca Responds to Potential Cases of Bullying

By Marta Martínez, Head of Internacional Aravaca

In a time when families seek international schools in Madrid that combine academic excellence with an emotionally safe environment, one essential question emerges: How should a school act when bullying is suspected?

At Colegio Internacional Aravaca, a benchmark in premium education, emotional well-being and positive coexistence, Headmistress Marta Martínez offers a transparent look at how each case is handled and what preventive measures distinguish the school.

A Clear, Human and Rigorous Protocol. Where Everything Begins

When a family approaches the school concerned about a possible bullying situation, the first step is simple yet fundamental: to listen.

“We begin with a meeting with the parents and explain what bullying is, and what it is not. Bullying requires three key elements: repetition over time, intentionality, and an imbalance of power,” explains Marta Martínez.

If, after this initial conversation, there is reason to believe bullying may be occurring, the school activates the Official Bullying Protocol of the Community of Madrid, a well-established framework that ensures a professional, objective and thorough response.

From that point, facts are documented, annexes are completed, and a structured process begins: interviews with all parties involved, students, teachers and families, to fully understand the situation.

“Based on all the information collected, the school determines whether it is bullying or not. If it is, we implement disciplinary, restorative and educational measures. If it is not, we still intervene in the classroom to improve coexistence,” adds Martínez.

Coexistence That Goes Beyond a Protocol

At Internacional Aravaca, coexistence is not addressed only when there is a conflict. It is cultivated every day.

For the last three academic years, the school has implemented a comprehensive initiative linked to the SILENOLE Programme, focused on building emotionally safe, respectful and collaborative classroom environments. "Families have a platform and specific training on this topic, so that we are all on the same page."

This project includes:

• Continuous teacher training
• Positive communication strategies
• Group cohesion dynamics
• Practical tools to detect vulnerable classroom climates

“The goal is not only to react when something happens, but to build a school environment where those situations cannot grow,” says the Headmistress.

Student and Agent Helpers. Positive Leadership from Within

One of the school’s most innovative pillars is the Student Helpers Programme, which becomes fully active this trimester in Secondary School.

Using several sociometric assessments each year, the school analyses class climate: who feels fully integrated, who may feel isolated, and who shows prosocial leadership qualities.

Based on the results, and the students’ own nominations, the school selects those with strong empathy, social sensitivity and mediation skills.

Their mission is clear: to accompany, detect, support and actively contribute to real, everyday positive coexistence.

"We also have the figure of the Tutor Agent, who are National Police officers who often help us in this work," adds Marta. 

Buddies, Mentors and Class Delegates: A Network of Care

Complementing this system are the buddies, student mentors who guide new classmates; trained class representatives who help manage group dynamics; and a wide range of initiatives that strengthen a healthy, respectful and globally oriented school climate.

Education for Emotional Intelligence, International Mindset and Confidence

All of these efforts align with the school’s mission, vision and values, as well as the student profile that defines Internacional Aravaca: young people who are confident, curious, globally minded and academically and personally excellent.

Through its five pillars, IA Communication, IA Confidence, IA Commitment, IA Growth and IA Global,  the school promotes a culture where integrity, international perspective and personal growth guide every student’s journey.

A School That Inspires Well-Being

Bullying is a worldwide challenge. But coexistence, when nurtured through prevention, empathy and professional guidance, becomes an opportunity to build stronger, kinder and more resilient school communities.

Internacional Aravaca reaffirms its commitment to families seeking an international school in Madrid with a strong focus on emotional well-being, global education and excellence at every stage.

“We don’t just teach the future. We build it together,” concludes Marta Martínez.