Bullying is a serious issue that affects children around the world. It doesn’t just hurt the person being bullied, it creates fear, sadness and division among everyone involved. Whether it happens at school, in the playground, or online, bullying is a behaviour we must address together to ensure every child feels safe, respected and valued.
So, what is bullying?
It’s when someone intentionally hurts, scares, or excludes another person repeatedly. This can happen in different ways. 
Physical bullying involves hitting, pushing, or damaging someone’s belongings. Verbal bullying includes teasing, name-calling, or making hurtful comments. There’s also social bullying, like spreading rumours or leaving someone out on purpose. In today’s world, cyberbullying: sending mean messages or posting harmful content online is also a growing problem. No matter how it happens, bullying is never acceptable.
If you’re being bullied, remember this: It’s not your fault. It’s important to talk to someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, or school counselor, about what’s happening. Sharing your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the first step to stopping the bullying. Friends can also help by standing by your side and showing you that you’re not alone.
For those who witness bullying, your role is just as important. Don’t stay silent. Be an upstander, not a bystander. If it’s safe, calmly tell the bully to stop. If you’re not comfortable doing that, offer support to the person being bullied by comforting them and encouraging them to speak to an adult. Even small actions, like a kind word or a friendly smile, can make a huge difference to someone who feels isolated.
Schools can also play a big part in preventing bullying. Teachers and staff can organise anti-bullying campaigns, teach children about empathy and kindness and set clear rules about acceptable behaviour. When children learn to work together, respect differences and solve problems peacefully, they grow into caring and responsible citizens.
The digital world, too, is a place where bullying often occurs. It’s crucial to use technology responsibly. Think before you type or share something online, and never post or forward mean messages about others. If you see cyberbullying, report it to an adult or the platform it’s on.
We all have a role to play to stop bullying. By standing up for what’s right, speaking out against cruelty and supporting those who need help, we can create a world where kindness is stronger than hate. Together, we can make every space, whether in school or online, a place where everyone feels safe and valued.
