“No More Excuses: The truth behind bullying in schools and how to prevent youth suicide.”
Bullying, also known as school bullying, is a serious problem in many schools worldwide. In some cases, it can have devastating consequences for the mental and physical health of affected students. That is why it is important that schools take steps to eradicate bullying and create a safe and healthy environment for all students.
According to a UNESCO report, about 32% of students worldwide have been bullied at school. In addition, bullying can affect students’ mental and physical health, including anxiety problems, depression, eating disorders and sleep problems. It can also have a negative impact on academic performance and school attendance.
In addition, a study published in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics, bullying is significantly associated with an increased risk of suicide in young people. The study found that young people who had been bullied were more than twice as likely to consider suicide and more than three times as likely to attempt suicide compared to those who had not been bullied.
According to the latest INE report, there has been a 10% increase in the number of suicides in Spain following the pandemic. But of particular concern is the increase in the number of young people who have taken their own lives, with adolescents between 10 and 14 years of age standing out: an age bracket in which suicide is growing by 134%.
The problem of youth suicide resulting from bullying is of particular concern because it is often a “silent” problem. Young people who experience bullying may feel isolated and embarrassed to talk about their experience. In addition, many young people who consider suicide or attempt suicide do not seek help, which can make prevention difficult.
After the news of the latest youth suicide in France and the subsequent actions of his bullies celebrating his death, TuCan Feel is bringing this issue back to the table as it is crucial that schools take action to prevent bullying.
Here are four tips to help prevent bullying in schools:
- Create a culture of respect and tolerance: Schools should foster a culture of respect and tolerance for all students. This may involve creating policies and programs that promote inclusion and diversity. Activities and events that celebrate cultural differences and promote empathy and understanding can also be organized.
- Foster healthy relationships among students: Schools should foster healthy relationships among students and teach social and emotional skills. This may involve education on effective communication, conflict resolution and teamwork. Activities that foster collaboration and mutual support among students can also be organized.
- Training for school personnel: Teachers and school personnel should receive training on how to identify and prevent bullying. This may include training on how to respond appropriately to bullying situations and how to support students affected by bullying. It is also important that teachers and school staff communicate regularly with parents and guardians to ensure that they are aware of any bullying issues.
- Establish clear policies and procedures: Schools should have clear policies and procedures to address bullying. This may include a harassment reporting protocol, a clear disciplinary process and a zero tolerance policy for bullying. It is also important for students and parents to know how to report bullying and what steps will be taken to address it.
It is important to remember that bullying prevention is not the exclusive task of schools. All members of the community, including parents, guardians and students, must work together to create a safe and healthy school environment.
If you are a parent, guardian, student or school staff member, you can take steps to prevent bullying. Talk to your child about bullying and how to prevent it, foster a culture of respect and tolerance in your home, and contact the school if you have any concerns about bullying. Remember, we can all work together to eradicate bullying in schools and create a safe and healthy environment for all students.
Together we can stop it. #STOPBULLYING
Here are the most relevant telephone numbers for suicide prevention:
- Suicide risk attention: 024
- Hope Phone: 914 590 055 / 717 003 717
- Suicide Care and Prevention: 911 385 385
