BULLYING IN SCHOOL AND MEASURES TO BE TAKEN

Education is the process of learning. Also, it is the acquisition of skills, knowledge, values, culture, habits and beliefs. Education is divided into two – formal and informal; informal education takes place at homes, society, place of work  et ce tera, while formal education requires a formal setting.

In every society, Education is vital. It is one of the key elements that pushes a society forward. It is hard to come by a society where Education doesn’t exist; however it is common to find societies where education isn’t well put to use. There are common suggestions that students pick up habits from their teachers, parents and also the society, however, it could be argued that students also develop a couple of funny attitudes on their own, one of such is bullying. Let’s look at the case of bullying in school.

BULLYING IN SCHOOL

Bullying in school is a very serious case. Victims of bully mostly suffer long term consequences;  the symptoms detectable amongst bully victims include: low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, helplessness, insecurity, a noticeable drop in school performance, lack of confidence, lack of trust and in the long run, may commit suicide.

The bullies however, might also have psychosomatic symptoms, depression and anxiety, in later life the victims and bullies might find solace in the intake of heavy substance and alcohol which will only worsen the case. Bullies are those who often end up being domestically violent and might commit some other criminal acts.

HOW SHOULD TEACHERS REACT?

Research shows that only 56% of students who witness bullying reports to the teacher. And most times, these bullies are wise enough to carry out their acts when the teachers are not in view. So, how do you know when a  child is being bullied and the bully? This is a difficult question to answer by the teachers.

However, since the teachers might have no answer to this; the best measure to take is the proactive measure. Teachers should educate their students about bullying and let them know the many adverse effects attached to it.

Also, students behaviours, class participation and interactions with their mates should  be monitored, if a student is observed to have strange behaviours, teachers should call attention of the parents and find a way to tackle it.

The school management also needs to take adequate measure to help curb this life threatening act, the management might establish a law against it and provide appropriate discipline to any student caught or reported to perpetuate this act.