Neigiamų socialinių reiškinių prevencija ikimokyklinio ugdymo mokyklose

Nowadays, children are exposed to negative social phenomena, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, bullying, and violence at an early age. Pre-primary and preschool children should understand what it is like to grow up in a healthy and safe environment avoid using dangerous substances and risky behaviour. However, it is evident that the analysis of preventive preschool education in our country has not yet attracted much attention. The article aims to assess the prevention of negative social factors in preschool education institutions. The main research method is a questionnaire survey. Based on the results of the survey on preschool pedagogues’ opinions, it has been found that in the nurseries-kindergartens of the city of Panevėžys, the development of children’s resistance to negative social factors receives an adequate amount of recognition. Educators apply preventive programmes recommended by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport in their daily work. The prevention of the use of alcohol, tobacco and other psychotropic substances and bullying is integrated into pre-primary and preschool education programmes. It is reflected in the content of education and the development of competencies. Preventive activities in preschool education institutions primarily aim at children’s emotional education. Children learn to know and manage their emotions, recognise negative social phenomena and situations, react appropriately, overcome social and emotional difficulties, resist negative external influences, and be responsible for personal and other persons’ behaviour. In nurseries-kindergartens, various forms and methods of preventive activities are used: games, artistic, creative activities, and various information tools. Thematic preventive events are organised for parents and the institution community, joint events for children and parents, and often psychologists are invited to participate in these meetings. The main challenges faced by preschool education institutions in carrying out preventive education are poor coordination of activities, lack of consistency, and continuity, low involvement of the members of the institution’s community, especially parents, and lack of funds. It should also be noted that pedagogues lack specific knowledge, information, and experience in preventive work.