Report shows 42 per cent of India's students fall victim to bullying in schools

The extent to which the problem of harassment and bullying among children in Indian schools has become serious can be gauged from shocking recent figures. According to a study, approximately 42 per cent of the country's school students are falling victim to bullying and harassment. To tackle this serious situation, a discussion has begun across the country regarding a unique model from Denmark, where children in schools are taught lessons in empathy and conflict resolution.

A study was conducted across 15 different cities by 'The Teacher Foundation' and 'Wipro Applying Thought in Schools', the results of which show a worrying state of bullying in the country's schools. According to this report, 42 per cent of students studying in grades 4 to 8 said they had faced bullying and harassment on school premises. Similarly, 36 per cent of students from grades 9 to 12 also reported facing such difficulties.

On the other hand, UNICEF India has also drawn attention to an important matter that there is currently a major dearth of comprehensive national statistics regarding bullying in the country. India already has various types of policies and school safety measures available to prevent bullying, but the real challenge is how children can report their grievances safely without fear. Additionally, it is also a major necessity to ensure that school administrations can act on these matters continuously and impartially.

In Danish schools, a special method known as 'Class Hour' is adopted to remove tension among children and strengthen their mutual relationships. Under this system, children are given one hour every week, during which they can openly discuss their personal and class-related problems. During these sessions, children listen to each other and attempt to resolve mutual quarrels or tensions together. The main objective of this arrangement is that instead of viewing any minor disagreement merely as a disciplinary issue, children are connected with each other through dialogue.

Education experts believe that if India wishes to adopt such a model, mandatory weekly sessions based on age can be started in schools. In these sessions, topics such as friendship, living together, and sharing things can be discussed. Additionally, discussions can also be held on peer pressure, discrimination, online harassment, and ways to resolve conflicts. However, it is very important to provide special training to teachers for this, so that they can provide proper guidance for communication among children and do not, in any way, put the victimised child in an embarrassing situation in front of everyone.

Experts further state that the problem of bullying cannot be eliminated merely by teaching lessons in empathy, but it is equally important to fix responsibility. If cases of bullying are serious or recurring, strict disciplinary action should be taken. Ensuring the safety of victimised children and taking proper follow-up is also essential. If training in teaching mutual respect in schools is given with the same seriousness as subjects like mathematics or science, this problem can be controlled. For this, it is also very necessary to have systems for confidential reporting, counseling facilities, and clear investigation processes in schools.