(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Bullying remains a serious issue plaguing schools worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. Recently, videos of bullying incidents involving Namtiri Bwala, Tobe Maryam Hassan, Faliya at Lead British International School Abuja went viral, leading to the school being shut down on April 23, 2024, by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye.
This incident is not the first case of bullying in Nigeria schools.
The tragic story of late Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student at Dowen College, Lagos, sadly resulted in his death.
The multiple viral videos from Lead British International School in the same week highlight the urgent need to address bullying in our schools, especially in the boarding schools.
It demands a collaborative effort from parents, schools, and society as a whole to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Bullying, whether physical, verbal, or cyber, can have long-lasting effects on a child’s well-being.
It not only impacts their academic performance but also takes a toll on their mental and emotional health.Â
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Bullying can have profound consequences and can hinder the dreams and potential of our children.
It’s a problem that cannot be ignored any longer.
The Lead British school incident serves as a stark reminder of the immediate attention required to tackle this persistent issue within our schools.
Creating a safe and inclusive environment in our schools requires a multi-faceted approach.
Parents play a crucial role in preventing and combating bullying. They need to be vigilant, recognize the signs of bullying, and establish open lines of communication with their children.
By fostering a supportive atmosphere at home, parents can empower their children to speak up and seek help when they encounter bullying.
Regular dialogue with schools regarding their child’s well-being is essential to ensure their safety.
Schools must take the lead in creating a safe and inclusive environment that rejects all forms of bullying.
Adequate resources, staff training, and strict anti-bullying policies need to be implemented.Â
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Open channels for reporting incidents, confidential student counseling services, and restorative justice programs can contribute to a supportive and nurturing atmosphere within schools.
Schools should not prioritize financial gain over the well-being of their students. They must not cover up or ignore bullying incidents, as seen in the case of Lead British International School.
Many parents prefer private boarding schools over public ones, assuming that public boarding schools won’t pay much attention to their children. However, recent events have proven otherwise.
Boarding schools, whether private or public, require special attention in addressing bullying.
In these environments, where parents are absent, there is a greater responsibility on schools to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.
Adequate supervision, staff training to identify and address bullying promptly, and fostering a sense of community and belonging among students are essential in preventing bullying in boarding schools.
The government also has a role to play in addressing bullying. It must create and enforce laws and policies that protect individuals from harassment, violence, and discrimination.
Governments can develop anti-bullying campaigns, implement cyberbullying prevention programs in schools, and establish avenues for reporting and investigating bullying incidents.
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In addition to governmental action, it is crucial to teach children to stand up against bullying from a young age. Starting early allows children to develop the necessary skills and confidence to navigate difficult situations. It is generally recommended to introduce these concepts as soon as children start socializing with peers or attending school, which could be as early as preschool or kindergarten.
Children should be educated about empathy, kindness, and the importance of treating others with respect. Teaching them how to identify and report bullying behavior, as well as equipping them with assertiveness skills and strategies to handle confrontation, is also important. It’s essential to provide children with guidance on safe approaches to addressing bullying and to teach them that seeking help from trusted adults, such as teachers or parents, is crucial.
Encouraging open communication and creating a safe and supportive environment at home and in schools help children feel empowered to stand up against bullies and support their peers.
In conclusion, the tragic passing of Sylvester Oromoni and the ongoing trauma faced by Namtiri Bwala must serve as a turning point for Nigeria’s schools.
Bullying should never be treated as an acceptable rite of passage but rather as a dire issue that demands immediate attention.
Safeguarding our children’s well-being is a collective responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of parents, schools, and society as a whole.