All children deserve to feel safe, supported, and cared for. Unfortunately, school bullying, family conflict, and parental punishment can inflict emotional and psychological harm on children which no child should have to endure. Save the Children implemented a community-based service platform in 2022, which was piloted in the Child-Friendly Space of Tongtong’s community, with the aim of protecting children from all types of violence. Tongtong, an 11-year-old girl from Yanshan, experienced school bullying and conflicts with her mother due to high academic expectations, which left her feeling distressed, isolated and unsupported. “People think school bullying is just a joke but people who get bullied can be really upset and feel hurt.” Tongtong said. “When I talk to my mum about my problems, she always makes me feel like it was all my fault.” Tongtong found a supportive community through the programme, where a social worker identified her tendency to get emotional and interrupt others as a way to avoid hearing any negative comments. The social worker helped her process her emotions, develop social, emotional, and communication skills, and build positive relationships with peers and family. Through her involvement in the Child-Friendly Space, Tongtong gained a sense of belonging as a volunteer. Her self-identity and selfconfidence were enhanced, and she also experienced improvements in her relationship with her mother.
Tongtong said, “In the past, no one understood me or wanted to listen to me, and I did not feel like talking to anyone. But now, thanks to the Child-Friendly Space, I feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings with social workers. I know I can always call her if I need to talk about something.”
The community-based service platform offered children like Tongtong a safe and supportive environment where they could grow and thrive. Its success serves as a model for other communities looking to protect children from all forms of violence and help them reach their full potential.