Registration is now open for the World Anti-Bullying Forum (WABF), which will take place in Stavanger from June 11-13, 2025 "With the world's leading researchers in the field of bullying on the program, as well as an increased focus on practical applications, we expect great interest in WABF 2025," says chair of the conference, Hildegunn Fandrem.
Never before have so many children and young people reported bullying in Norway. Internationally, the extent of bullying is also increasing. Now, researchers, policymakers, teachers, educators, students, and other stakeholders will gather to share knowledge, best practices, and strategies for preventing and addressing bullying at the World Anti-Bullying Forum.
"Bullying will be explored from the perspectives of several different disciplines, making this conference especially relevant for those working in and with kindergartens and schools," says Hildegunn Fandrem.
Only days remain until registration for WABF opens, and you can register via the conference's website starting Monday, November 18.
Largest conference on bullying
WABF is the world's largest conference on bullying, and the only conference dedicated solely to this topic. The Norwegian Center for Learning Environment and Behavioral Research in Education (Læringsmiljøsenteret) at the University of Stavanger (UiS) has been honored with hosting the World Anti-Bullying Forum 2025.
WABF meets biannually in different countries and attracts participants from over 35 countries, representing organizations, authorities, schools, universities, and municipalities.
Exciting program
Professor Fandrem shares that attendees at next year's conference can look forward to an exciting program featuring prominent names among the keynote speakers, including Robert Thornberg and Anthony Peguero, both among the world's foremost bullying researchers. The program includes presentations, panel discussions, posters, and workshops, covering various aspects of bullying and what it takes to create safe, positive, and inclusive environments for children and youth.
"Our goal is to contribute to a stronger connection between research and practice, which we believe we can achieve with several symposia and workshops where researchers and participants from the practitioner’s field contribute together," says Fandrem.
Aiming to gather 600 participants
According to the chair, the goal is to attract up to 600 participants from Norway and abroad.
This conference may be relevant for researchers, support services, school owners, school administrators, anti-bullying ombudsmen, the school psychology service, and others working in the education sector and leisure activities. It is aimed at anyone who wants to stay updated on the latest bullying research and engage in dialogue with others passionate about preventing and stopping bullying.
Fandrem believes the conference will provide participants with new knowledge and inspiration to continue working on this important issue. She also expects the stunning scenery around Stavanger, including Pulpit rock and the beautiful beaches of Jæren, will attract many attendees, especially international ones.
Field experience
“It is not common for conferences like this to address the practitioner field to the extent that WABF 2025 does”, according to the head of the conference's committee for practice-oriented contributions.
"At WABF 2025, we hope to highlight the connection between researchers, decision-makers, the education sector, and leisure activities," says Janne Støen.
She explains that this is why they have invited employees in the education sector to contribute presentations and share their experiences.
"The aim is to showcase how Norwegian kindergartens and schools work specifically to prevent bullying and social exclusion," she says.
Text: Maria Gilje Strand
Illustration photo: Jørn Steen/UiS
