Does Bullying Kill the Confidence of children?Yes, it does.
Bullying significantly undermines the confidence and overall well-being of children, and the statistics are alarming. According to a 2023 report, about 51.9% of adolescent school students in Nigeria have experienced at least one type of bullying, while 27.9% admitted to being bullies themselves. The study also found that bullying predominantly occurs in classrooms (75%) and that 58.3% of bullies are classmates.
Bullying is not a new phenomenon, and it manifests in various forms, all of which negatively impact those at the receiving end. The emotional and psychological impacts can be devastating, leading to long-term trauma that is difficult to overcome. Recent incidents in Nigerian schools have highlighted the urgent need for intervention before the situation spirals out of control.
A recent case at Lead British International School in Abuja, where Namtira Bwala was bullied, reflects what many students in both high-end and low-end schools experience daily. This incident underscores the harsh reality that bullying can be brash, harmful, and mentally distorting, often leading to post-traumatic stress.
Bullying can take many forms, including unpleasant remarks about physical challenges, consistent mockery, or even physical assault. The impact is not just immediate but can have long-lasting effects on a child’s mental health and confidence.
Mr. Bola Bello, an educationist, emphasizes that eradicating bullying from schools requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration among schools, teachers, parents, and students. He explains that bullying often begins in environments where children are consistently exposed to violent behaviors, which they then extend to others.
Dr. Kemi Aremu, a human rights activist and child protector, urges school owners to implement strict policies with severe penalties for offenders. She stresses that while creating policies to deter bullying is crucial, it is equally important to address the emotional and psychological well-being of victims.
Dr. Andrea, a psychotherapist, discusses the long-term effects of bullying on victims, emphasizing the importance of helping them process their emotions to prevent psychological breakdowns. The family unit plays a critical role in shaping a child’s behavior, making it imperative for parents to actively teach and model positive behaviors.
The broader society must also play its part in educating children about the dangers of bullying. However, it is not enough to merely educate; punitive measures must be enforced to ensure that bullying is eradicated from schools. Bullying must be extinguished, not tolerated.
How quickly do we need an anti-bullying policy in Nigeria? Maybe now.
The statistics and real-life examples clearly illustrate the severe impact bullying has on children. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to create a safe and supportive environment for every child.
Save a child from bullying today!
