BULLYING has become rampant, especially in academic institutions. This affects children, teenagers and adults, leading to consequences like depression and anxiety. It is disheartening to see that schools are failing to take the necessary steps to address the issue effectively.

Bullying can take place in various forms, such as physical, verbal, emotional and cyberbullying, and is often perpetrated by individuals or groups who seek to intimidate and belittle others.

Children who are bullied often suffer from low self-esteem, social isolation and emotional trauma, leading to poor academic performance and other negative outcomes. Bullying, in fact, can sometimes lead to even more serious and tragic incidents, as have been seen in recent years in the country.

It is imperative that schools take a strong stance against bullying and create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. This can be achieved through proactive measures, such as awareness campaigns, counselling services, and disciplinary action against perpetrators.

Parents also need to play a more active role in preventing bullying by educating their children on the negative effects of bullying and teaching them to treat others with respect and kindness. Moreover, adults must lead by example and refrain from engaging in or tolerating any form of bullying behaviour.

We must all work together to combat the menace of bullying and create a culture of empathy, kindness, and respect for one another. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our children grow and learn in an environ-ment free from fear and intimidation.

Dr Baryal Sherani
Quetta

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2023