Stakeholders in children’s development have called for an end to bullying, saying it has negative implications on society. Speaking at the maiden edition of Anti-Bullying Campaign Day, with the theme, ‘Zero Tolerance to Bullying’, the Head, Counselling Unit, Education District 6, in Lagos State, Anike Bola-Lawal, said bullying has adverse negative effects on child development.
The event was organised by Wellsprings College. She explained bullying as a systematic and repeated abuse committed intentionally by one who has more power over another.
She described types of bullying as: physical, verbal, cyber and sexual, adding that the menace results in lower academic performance, increased risk of mental health issues, low self esteem, and withdrawal.
According to her, to heal from bullying, one has to acknowledge the occurrence, find closure, and practice confidence. The Principal, Wellsprings College, Innocent Agofure, said bullying is largely responsible for hate speeches, and is a menace that limits safe and healthy school and societal environment.
He noted that the school is committed to educating students beyond basic learning by expanding their frontiers to identify and harness innate potential.
He said: “We aim to make the students independent, globally relevant, and agents of social change. As a school we are committed to supporting the society and government in churning out responsible adults. We thought it wise to draw up support against bullying.”
Safety practitioner, Adeyinka Adebiyi, who spoke on creating safe and healthy schools as a tool for national development, urged students to avoid pranks that could lead to accidents or death.
He said safety should be an integral part of schools’ curriculum. On the reason for the campaign, Executive Director, Wellsprings College, Ewere Akwukwaegbu, said the increasing rate of bullying in the society necessitated a need to engage stakeholders, with a view to addressing it.
