Sam Philip
Parents and teachers have been called upon by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to orientate their wards and pupils on the danger inherent in bullying and discourage them from engaging in the social vice.
The governor gave the charge at a One-day workshop for strategic stakeholders, organised by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development ahead of the National Children’s Day, to educate principals, headteachers and teachers on the danger of bullying and how to handle the case among pupils to discourage them from engaging in the menace.
Represented by a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly and current Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabittan, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised on the roles of parents and teachers in stamping out the menace in schools.
He said: “While government plays its part, our children need our attention, encouragement and support to sail through and/or avoid bullying.
“I urge both parents and teachers to know and play their roles diligently to educate our wards, both the bully and the bullied.
“Together, we can build a brighter future for our children, and I am confident that with our collective efforts, we can create a bullying-free society where every child can thrive.
“We can create a better world for our children, and it starts with us. Let us stand up and speak up against bullying and collectively build a bullying-free generation. Our children are our future, luckily, the future belongs to them.”
Meanwhile, the SUBEB chairman took the participants through the rudiments of handling bullying among students.
He enlightened the principals, headteachers, and teachers on how to properly manage bullying incidents in their schools.
Olabittan cautioned them not to be emotional and partial in resolving bullying cases among their students.
He said: “It is important to get the story from both parties separately and not put in a situation where the bully is directly confronted by the victim. If not, this will intimidate the victim so that they are less likely to seek help in future, but it enables the bully to counter and discount everything the says.
“Typically, bullies have better communication skills than victim when given the chance, may try to shift blame to the victim.
“The best way to confront children is at separate times and possibly separate places. First, sit down with the victim and the victim’s parents if they are involved. Get the story from them. See if they have any documentation on bullying.
“After all the information has been gathered from the victim, it is time to approach the bully for their side of the story.
“Sometimes, it is necessary to talk to friends and bystanders. Those conversations should take place individually rather than in a group.
“An environment of tolerance and respect start at the top. Adults must lead children by example through harmonious interaction with others and good conflict management skills.
“When intervening in a bullying situation, it is important to remain both and impartial. Treat both parties with the dignity and respect. Be firm in ending the attack, but don’t show an emotional response. Try to remain in control of the situation and don’t get drawn in argument over blame.
“Make sure all the children know what is bullying and what is acceptable behaviour, and what the consequences will be for bullying.
“Building a bullying generation is a task that involves everyone: the parents, teachers are children.A bullying-free generation is key to the development and success of our children.
“Towards eradicating this menace, which is a form of social vice in our schools, the State Government through the State Ministry of Education Science Technology, TESCOM and my Agency, ODSUBEB, in collaboration with other non-state actors like Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, and Society Organizations, CSOs, had implemented various initiatives to curb bullying in our educational institutions.
“These initiatives include guidance and counselling services, awareness campaigns, and a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying. Our guidance counsellors are trained to provide emotional support, counselling referrals to relevant services. We are committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that our schools remain safe havens for learning and growth.”
