Dealing With Bullying in Schools

Jan 06 2023 | 3 minutes read

Bullying is often not talked about because of social stigma and the belief that it is just a normal part of the school. As a result, victims may feel that they have to endure the abuse until they graduate.

Statistics have shown that 34% of Nigerian adults have experienced some sort of bullying during their school days. Recently, reports have shown that cases of bullying are on the increase in Nigerian schools, both primary and secondary. Long before now, the issue of bullying in schools, especially boarding schools seemed to be something to be shoved aside. Over time, it became an unwritten code in schools, a tradition passed down from one generation to another. Students gradually looked forward to when they would become seniors, so they could have the opportunity to offer their juniors the same “honors” they received. However, with the growth of social media over the years, the issue of bullying in schools has begun to gain attention. Nevertheless, there are so many cases of bullying in schools that aren’t being reported due to fear on the part of the target.

Due to the stereotypes of society and even other students, people tend not to discuss their bullying experiences. They are expected to endure the process until they leave, seeing that it is one of those things that happens in schools. What we do not realize is that most of the children who were bullied end up struggling with their mental health throughout their lives. Knowing how wrong bullying is and how it can badly affect students, how should it be handled?

• Don’t assume it is not happening: The first mistake you can make as an educator is to believe that students are not being bullied. An assumption is the least form of knowledge. So, do not assume. Be willing and open to finding out what is going on with the students.

• Create an atmosphere that allows students to speak up: Survey has shown that out of those bullied in school, 70% did not report it due to an unconducive environment. If the school system does not come off as safe for students to report bullying, chances are that they won’t speak up about it even if they are being bullied.

• Take a stand against bullying: If your stand against bullying isn’t clear, chances are that students will keep bullying each other. Let them know that bullying is unacceptable in the school environment and back it up with actions. Additionally, this will encourage students to speak up if they are being bullied.

• The message of Love: Teach each student to love and respect each other as much as you can. And no, don’t be weary of doing it. You never know when a bully will change. Let them see the value of loving each other without discrimination.

Handling bullying is never a one-off event. Schools admit students consistently. This means that you must always be prepared to deal with bullying whenever it decides to come up. School owners and teachers alike must be committed to dealing with bullying in the school environment. If the school becomes their second home, then it should at least feel like it.