Vorarlberg opens specialist service for bullying and cyberbullying

Vorarlberg has launched a specialist service for people affected by bullying and cyberbullying, ORF reported. The service is based at the state’s Children and Youth Ombudsman and will focus particularly on cases outside schools, including bullying in clubs and leisure settings.

The service aims to prevent and identify bullying and help resolve individual cases. It will also coordinate situations involving several organisations or crossing different areas of responsibility, according to a joint announcement by Deputy Governor Christof Bitschi and Children and Youth Ombudsman Christian Netzer.

Children, teenagers and young adults can contact the office by phone, email, messaging service or in person. Support is confidential, anonymous and free. Parents, education professionals and club managers can also seek advice.

The team will assess cases based on the distress experienced by the person affected, any imbalance of power and how entrenched the situation has become, rather than applying a fixed time limit. The office said cyberbullying can pose particular challenges because it is constantly accessible online and may involve anonymity.

Schools and the Education Directorate remain responsible for bullying cases within schools. The new service will complement existing structures when cases extend beyond school or require coordination across schools, acting as a neutral mediator and coordinator.

During its pilot phase, the service will use existing staff with backgrounds in social work, education and law. It will be funded from the Children and Youth Ombudsman’s existing budget and evaluated using measures including workshops held, people reached and feedback from participants and those receiving advice.

The office can be reached at 05522 84900 or [email protected]. It also accepts messages via WhatsApp at 0664 8898 6890.