The Chairman, Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) FCT chapter, Oladele Olajide on Friday implored the federal government to be more pivotal in tackling bullying by implementing comprehensive measures and ensuring their enforcement in schools.
He also urged the government to prioritise the development and implementation of a robust anti-bullying policy with clear guidelines for prevention, intervention and support mechanisms.
This is in reaction to a trending video that had a group of female students from Lead British International School, Abuja bullying another female student.
“We are deeply concerned. This harmful behaviour not only affects its victims but, has far-reaching consequences for perpetrators, families, school management and our nation as a whole”, he said in a press conference in Abuja.
“Bullying knows no boundaries – it manifests in our schools, communities and even online spaces. Its effects can be devastating, leading to physical and emotional harm, low self-esteem, academic decline and in severe cases, suicide. As responsible citizens, it is our collective duty to address this issue head-on”, he added.
Mr. Olajide also said to effectively combat bullying, its prevalence and impacts on the society must be first acknowledged.
He also called on families to play a crucial role in their children nurturing empathy and respect for others, adding that the school management must create safe and inclusive environment where student feels valued and protected.
He commended the efforts of the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB) for developing an anti-bullying policy that will serve as a blueprint for other schools in the country to adopt to their unique contexts.
“By embracing this existing framework, schools can take proactive steps to address bullying and create a culture of kindness and respect among students”, he stated.
“Let us unite in our commitment to combat bullying in Nigeria. Together, we can create a safe and more inclusive society where every individual can thrive without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“The time to act is now and I urge all stakeholders that include the government, educators, parents and students to join hands in this crucial endeavor”, he concluded.
The VIce Chairperson, CASSON FCT chapter, Dr. Sa’adatu Adamu said it is important for parents see the need of supporting their children. Most parents she said do not realise that the bulk of raising their kids does not rest on the school alone.
“The parents have their roles to play. They should understand that they cannot give what they do not have. This means that everyone is part of the training in helping the children.
“Remember these children are coming from a background, they practice what they learnt from home. So, the parents must be part of training a child. Everyone needs support, including the children and their parents”, she said.
She also said it is important for CASSON to engage in more discussions and see how it can support.
“If there’s the need to undergo training for school counsellors, it would be one of the things that we will look at. We will work with the Secondary Education Board (SEB) in this regard.
When pressed on the difference between bullying and having a conflict in schools, she said “we need to understand that every child deserves the same treatment as another. Regardless, there are certain ways a child is expected to react to whatever is thrown at him. When it gets to that point that the child cannot handle it, obviously, it means that’s bullying.
“When we talk about bullying, it means someone’s ego or personality is being threatened or tarnished. It is a deliberate, continuous, thoughtful act by a person or a group of persons to intimidate or manipulate another.
“So, it is different from having a conflict with someone. Conflicts most times, stem from misunderstanding which could be settled immediately”, Dr. Adamu said.