Days against bullying: everyone has a role to play

Despite the numbers and the growing visibility, school bullying is still too little considered by adults. On 3 November, UNESCO member countries participated in the International Day Against Violence and Bullying in Schools. On November 10, France will in turn organize a National Day dedicated to these issues.

School bullying is often minimized

In France, between 5% and 6% of students are victims of school bullying. This type of harassment is characterized by repeated verbal or physical violence against an individual or group. These prolonged attacks have a deleterious impact on the physical and mental health of those who suffer them.

61% of victims admit to having had suicidal thoughts and last year 18% of them took action. While these tragedies have rocked society, school bullying as a global phenomenon is struggling to get the attention it deserves. Too many people still see it as a matter of “fights between children”, ignoring the dramatic consequences it can have on children’s future lives.

Involving children, teachers and professionals

Every first Thursday in November, UNESCO member states organize an international day against violence and bullying in schools. During the dedicated annual conference, the organization focused on the role of teachers in the fight against bullying and cyberbullying as they are the first to be able to detect and prevent violence.

On November 10 it will be France’s turn to organize his National day against bullying in schools. This will be supported by the pHARe program, an education system aimed at preventing harassment through the creation of relay teams, made up of supervisory staff, student and professional ambassadors, and through easy access to resources. It should also be remembered that the law of March 2, 2022 provides for penalties of up to 10 years of imprisonment for harassers. We hope that these measures will raise awareness of this violence.

Cover image: Unsplash / MChe Lee