Not just kids’ play: bullying prevention is an investment that pays off




Herkama, Sanna; Larose, Marie-Pier; Turunen, Tiina; Salmivalli, Christina

Erola Jani; Moisio Pasi; Peltoniemi, Johanna

  • PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing

2026

Beyond the Nordic Welfare State: Extending Social Investments with Interventions

207

221

978-1-03-537543-1

978-1-03-537544-8

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00020

https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00020

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/522858134



In this chapter, we focus on bullying prevention, which is a perfect case to discuss the development and evaluation of interventions embedded in an investment-intervention approach. Bullying is a widespread problem across countries, regardless of their level of economic development. It has been associated with short- and long-term deterioration in children's life opportunities and well-being. First, we introduce bullying as a phenomenon and elaborate on its short- and long-term consequences. Next, we briefly present how bullying can be prevented and addressed by interventions in schools and the potential long-term benefits of such efforts for society. Preventive interventions necessitate initial investment but can also be turned into social investment over time. We use the Finnish KiVa® antibullying program as an example. Finally, we elaborate on how this line of thinking – considering prevention and intervention as long-term investments and strengthening various stock and flow factors – could benefit society at large.


Last updated on 16/04/2026 11:24:56 AM