STOP BULLYING

AS the new school year commences, parents are increasingly concerned about the risk of bullying, especially as children transition to new grades and navigate the complexities of forming new friendships. Experts and social counsellors highlight that students who move to new schools face a heightened risk of bullying compared to those who remain in familiar environments. Addressing school bullying - a pervasive global issue - has become a top priority for specialists working tirelessly to find effective solutions.

School bullying is particularly problematic among students in late childhood and early adolescence, with its impact reaching far beyond the classroom. It can deeply affect a child’s psychological well-being, academic performance and ability to form healthy social relationships. Consequently, the role of school psychologists and counsellors is critical; they must promote positive behaviours, educate students on the harmful effects of bullying and enforce necessary disciplinary measures.

Bullying manifests in various forms, including physical aggression, emotional harm, verbal abuse and psychological manipulation. The family plays an essential role in shaping a child’s development and has a significant responsibility to instil positive social values. Parents must model positive behaviour, as children often emulate their parents. A parent exhibiting bullying or violent behaviour can lead to a child replicating these actions at school.

Dr Youssef al Attar, an educational and psychological consultant, emphasises that 80 per cent of children’s behaviours are shaped by their upbringing. He notes that bullying is a sign of a weak personality and can persist into adulthood if not addressed early. Therefore, fostering self-esteem and confidence from a young age is crucial. Recognising the global prevalence of bullying, Unicef has made combating it a priority, underscoring the potential for long-term psychological damage to victims. Institutions worldwide are increasingly focusing on the dangers of bullying and dedicating resources to its eradication. A Unicef report identifies three key factors in bullying: intent, repetition and power dynamics, highlighting that bullying is a pattern of behaviour rather than an isolated incident.

Research also indicates that bullying can affect children’s brain function, leading to reduced reward responses and impairing the brain regions responsible for memory and learning. This disruption hinders their ability to cope with challenges and process their experiences. Victims may also suffer from psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome and muscle pain due to ongoing stress and anxiety.

To effectively combat bullying, experts agree on the need for both family and school interventions. Families are the primary influence on a student’s behaviour, and parents should neither excuse nor justify bullying. Instead, they should teach children to respect others’ feelings and discourage mocking or laughing at others’ expense.

Schools must also play a pivotal role in addressing bullying by developing comprehensive anti-bullying programmes that involve educational administrators, teachers, students, parents and the broader community. Studies have shown that schools implementing such programmes have seen a 50 per cent reduction in bullying cases over two years. Parents need to take several key steps to prepare their children for the new school year. This includes preparing children psychologically, physically and mentally for a positive return to school, fostering a renewed spirit and determination to overcome any negative thoughts that could hinder success.