Bullying in schools has been a serious problem for many years. In addition to the children themselves, adults have been facing this problem in their classroom, at work and even at home, as well as online. Every school must plan and enforce an anti-bullying policy. Schools should provide a safe environment and appropriate education.
“Bullying affects a high percentage of children, compromising their health, emotional well-being and academic work, and is associated with long-lasting consequences continuing on into adulthood. Growing access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) places children at risk of online abuse, increasing their vulnerability to cyberbullying. Online or in person, bullying has a serious impact on both the victim and the perpetrator. Moreover, bullying comes at a high cost to society.” [UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, https://violenceagainstchildren.un.org/content/bullying-and-cyberbullying-0 accessed on 13th August 2018].
Bullying has been the latest hot topic in the media, particularly online. Having observed many prominent parents speaking out about this issue, as the first and only NGO focusing solely on bullying, we feel it is our duty to the community to voice our opinion, though we are conscious our voice may not be the loudest one. Notwithstanding, we shall keep on working hard and promoting a zero tolerance to bullying in all its different forms, irrespective of the identity and background of the perpetrator or the person suffering from the bullying behaviour.
Unfortunately, although bullying starts at a very young age, its repercussions tend to leave a lifelong scar. These negative and hurtful actions need to be treated with immediacy and the seriousness they deserve. A number of Maltese children are being bullied out there and our question is, what is being done? Are we really doing all we can to help them?
Many children might be bottling up their emotions and not being given the help that they require. Parents, please take the time to speak to your children daily and see what is making them happy or upset. Find the time to monitor them online and check any applications they might have registered themselves into. Check that their online activity is age appropriate. Speak to their educators and do not be shy to seek help. Teachers, take the time to observe your class students, consult the school counsellor for advice. Please make sure that any situation is tackled to the fullest. Children, do not be scared or shy to speak up and seek help. Many of us adults have been – or are passing through – your exact same situation. We know what you are going through and we can relate to the pain you are feeling. Many people are here for you and ready to help and support you.
Together we can make a difference.
Together we can stop this.
bBrave!
If you are a willing to help battle this issue, please join bBrave and help us with our mission.
Follow us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbrave.org.mt
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More about bBrave:
bBrave is a voluntary, independent and non-governmental organisation, registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (VO 1422), and a Core Member of the international Anti-Bullying Alliance.
We are the first anti-bullying NGO in Malta. Thanks to our members and sponsors, we are working on educating more about bullying and its effects. We operate on a fully voluntary basis. As we grow, we intend to be more actively involved in assisting individuals suffering from bullying connecting with the right support system.
If you believe in our cause, help us by joining as a member, make a donation, or sponsor us.
Contact us at: [email protected]
