Puppets help prevent playground bullying

A Galway family is determined to tackle bullying and anti-social behaviour among children – all through puppets.

Martin O’Grady and Ann Marie Devereux set up Enchantment Entertainment last April after their own son fell victim to bullying.

“We didn’t know it until he started crying when Ann Marie put him to bed. So, then we got thinking how we can provide a way to teach children about this,” said Martin.

But both Martin and Ann Marie also saw the bigger pictured and the need to show children how to react when surrounded by antisocial behaviour, as well as educate them on water and road safety for good measure.

And while Martin acknowledges the great work schools do through education and the creation of guidelines to prevent bullying, he and Ann Marie wanted to come up with something that was both entertaining but also relevant to children from three to ten.

“A great way to learn is through a laugh, because you’ll always remember a good laugh,” Martin added.

“Children remember puppets. A lot of lessons were learned from Bosco that I still remember. Children like it and want to be interactive.”

So, they’ve recruited singers, actors, musicians and puppeteers to act out different scenarios. Martin said the shows are exciting with singing and dancing – but most importantly interactive.

For more on this story, see the Connacht Tribune.