Tackling the menace of bullying in schools and cyberspace

By Temiloluwa Idowu

Bullying is a pervasive issue that transcends borders, impacting millions of children and adolescents globally. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene suburbs of Europe, bullying manifests in various forms, leaving enduring scars on its victims for reasons ranging from jealousy to social status-related reasons.

Bullying presents itself in diverse forms, encompassing physical assaults such as hitting, kicking, or pushing, which are prevalent in many regions, particularly in Asia and Africa. Verbal harassment involves name-calling, insults, and verbal abuse, commonly observed in North America and Europe.

Social bullying entails spreading false rumors about someone to tarnish their public image, often leading to verbal and physical aggression. Cyberbullying has emerged as a significant concern with the proliferation of digital communications, where individuals face harassment through social media, texts, and other online platforms.

Furthermore, blackmail can be construed as a form of bullying, as it entails coercing the victim into actions they are unwilling to take through the use of compromising materials obtained through illicit means. For instance, a perpetrator may threaten to release sensitive information about the victim unless they comply with their demands.

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This type of emotional manipulation can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s mental well-being and sense of security. It creates a power dynamic where the victim feels helpless and vulnerable, unable to escape the perpetrator’s control. In some cases, victims may suffer in silence, fearing the repercussions of speaking out against their blackmailer. The fear of exposure and potential social ostracism can be paralyzing, trapping the victim in a cycle of abuse and manipulation.

Bullying, whether physical or online, can have devastating consequences that extend far beyond the immediate interactions. For example, in cases where cyberbullying occurs, the anonymity of the internet can embolden bullies to engage in more extreme behaviors, leading to severe emotional distress for the victim. This distress can manifest in various ways, such as self-harm or even suicidal thoughts.

The repercussions of being bullied are profound, potentially resulting in mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Moreover, it can lead to diminished academic performance, increased absenteeism, and long-lasting trauma that may persist into adulthood, significantly impacting the individual’s daily life. Tragically, bullied victims may resort to suicide due to their vulnerable mental state and lack of resilience in the face of relentless torment.

The consequences of bullying can potentially result in the perpetrator being convicted and incarcerated, particularly if the victim of the bullying commits suicide or if the assaults by the perpetrator lead to the victim’s death. In such instances, it can escalate to charges of assault and murder.

Globally, bullying remains a pressing issue, with approximately one in three students experiencing bullying at school at least once in the past month. The heightened concern stems from the tragic outcomes where victims succumb to suicide as they struggle to cope with the relentless attacks, particularly prevalent among students in educational institutions. According to UNESCO, almost one in three students worldwide has experienced bullying at school at least once in the last month. This includes physical, psychological, and sexual bullying.

Due to the severe rate of bullying-related cases, countries have implemented laws that must be obeyed in the constitutions. An example of said law is, The Republic Act 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 was signed into law by former President Benigno Aquino III on September 6, 2013. The law requires all elementary and secondary schools in the country to adopt an anti-bullying policy. This act belongs to the Philippines.

In Lagos State, Nigeria, bullying is a prevalent issue in schools, bearing significant implications for students’ safety and academic outcomes. A UNICEF study revealed that about 50% of Nigerian students have encountered bullying, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions. In Nigeria, a bill for anti-bullying has not been implemented by the government.

Bullying has garnered significant attention worldwide, with several high-profile cases drawing public scrutiny and prompting calls for stringent action to be taken against such an act. For instance,

In the U.S., bullying is a widespread issue. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that about 20% of students aged 12-18 experienced bullying in 2019. High-profile cases, such as the tragic story of Phoebe Prince, who died by suicide in 2010 after relentless bullying, have brought significant attention to the issue. In the UK, a study by the Anti-Bullying Alliance found that 30% of children have been bullied in the past year.

The case of Megan Evans, a 14-year-old who took her own life in 2017 after being bullied online, highlighted the severe impact of cyberbullying. Bullying, known as ‘Ijime’, is a serious problem in Japan. The Ministry of Education reported over 600,000 cases of bullying in schools in 2019. The case of Hana Kimura, a professional wrestler who died by suicide in 2020 after being cyberbullied, drew international attention.

The tragic demise of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni at Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos brought national focus to the severe repercussions of bullying. Allegedly due to bullying and torture by fellow students, his death sparked outrage and necessitated stricter anti-bullying measures.

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie publicly shared her daughter’s ordeal of being bullied by a teacher owing to her celebrity status, highlighting that bullying can extend beyond students to involve school staff.

Another notable case involved Don Davies, a student at Deeper Life High School in Uyo, who reportedly faced bullying and maltreatment by senior students. Although this incident occurred outside Lagos, it resonated profoundly within the state, underscoring the pervasive nature of bullying in Nigerian boarding schools.

In 2022, a video surfaced depicting a student from Chrisland School, Lagos being bullied by peers, prompting widespread condemnation and compelling the Lagos State government to take decisive action against the school, stressing the necessity for enhanced supervision and anti-bullying measures.

These examples illustrate the pervasive nature of bullying and its devastating impact on individuals and communities. In Lagos State, the government frowns at bullying in its entirety.

The Safe School Lagos Initiative stands out as a pivotal endeavor aimed at fostering a safer and more supportive environment for students. This initiative involves training educators to identify and address bullying, along with collaborating closely with parents to eradicate abusive behaviors at home. Emphasizing constant supervision in schools is paramount to prevent bullying incidents during unsupervised periods.

Furthermore, the Inspector General’s School Protection Squad has been established to address bullying and other safety concerns in schools, working in tandem with school authorities to ensure a secure environment for students.

Collaborations between the Lagos State Ministry of Education and organizations such as Jada Consults have led to the implementation of anti-bullying awareness programs in public secondary schools. These programs seek to educate students on the detrimental effects of bullying and foster a culture of respect and compassion.

Effective counseling and mental health support are deemed essential in addressing the root causes of bullying and aiding both victims and perpetrators. Despite the persistent challenge of bullying, concerted efforts by the government, educators, and community organizations are making significant strides towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.

Temiloluwa is an Intern with the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.