In recent times, bullying has been on the news forefront in most schools. Cell phones, CCTV, social Media have exposed some of these vices that occur in the school premises. This is a diversion from their academics and shows that the students are yet to embrace a total education that cuts across all the domains of learning. These include Cognitive, Affective and Psycho-motor domains. The Affective domain has to do with the outcome of the student’s character. A sound character should be the fundamental of our society and school culture but unfortunately when the society gets it wrong, almost everything will be misaligned and misappropriated.
Let’s examine the following questions;
- What is bullying?
- Who is a bully?
- What causes bullying?
- How can students escape bullying?
- How can schools address bullying?
According to Wikipedia, bullying is the use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing or threat, to abuse, aggressively dominate or intimidate. The behaviour is often repeated and habitual. It is a serious issue that can have a long lasting effect on the child’s social, emotional and academic development. It could be verbal, physical, cyber, or sexual bullying. This is a negative occurrence that may affect a child’s journey even after schooling, so proper intervention should be considered.
The second question says who is a bully? Cambridge Dictionary defined a bully as, someone who hurts or frightens someone else, often over a period of time, and often forcing them to do something that they do not want to do. A bully wants to intimidate those who are vulnerable.
The causes of bullying can often be traced to the following.
Family background in terms of parental neglect, environment; an environment that is abusive and aggressive may impact negatively on the child and his or her peers.
Child abuse, insecurity, frustration, low self-esteem and lack of empathy. Domestic hostility, negative social media outlook and lack of school counselors are among the causes of bullying in schools.
How can students escape bullying?
Students should be asked to report anyone threatening or intimidating them to someone they are comfortable with.
Everyone is created with a unique personality and different temperament so they should not be made to feel bad about themselves. Avoid following any friend to a dark or isolated place. Ignore any inferiority or superiority complex from other students.
How can schools address bullying?
The students should be enlightened by organizing workshops and campaigns to create awareness. Students should be allowed to report any suspicious behaviour or act. The school should have a school policy, measures and punishment clearly stated and spelt out if violated. There should be fair hearing and judgment of both parties, the alleged bully and the victim. Everyone should be asked to report cases of such, including the students, teachers and other non teaching staff.
Some parents want to pamper their child with power and influence at the expense of other children. Such an attitude should not be accepted in the school. Parents should know where the school stands on such matters. Train your child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Parents should avoid running the rat race that will derail this assignment.
School owners and leaders should set the tone for their school. Do not compromise the standard, policy, integrity of the school. Whatever the school condoles will reflect on the students and even generations yet to attend the school. Prohibit bullying and protect the students.
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Opeyemi Ojo is an Insightful writer with 2 books. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the University of Lagos. Obtained a Bachelor’s and Diploma Degree in Aquaculture and Fishery Management from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. Opeyemi has worked as a Lecturer, School Administrator & School Monitor. A member of the TRCN, NIM & FISON.
She is the Lead at IMPROVEMENT CENTRE as a School Development & Improvement Specialist. She is a Certified Strategic Life Coach and Personal Development Coach. She is the C.E.O. of Opscy Bookcity. Opeyemi is a Facilitator at Equip/Beyond Success non profit Organization of John C. Maxwell.
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