Take Action against bullying!

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Unfortunately bullying is very prevalent in schools across Belize.

Students at a young age begin to feel rejection, exclusion and isolation when treated unfairly by their friends.

Many educators have taken a stance and promoted inclusion and holistic development at their institutions but how can more educators, parents and students take action against bullying?

Throughout the years, students can become anxious, depressed and experience low self-esteem and poor performance due to the impact on their mental health.

The effects of bullying have serious and lasting negative impacts on our mental health and overall wellbeing.

With the evolving digital world, youths are now engaging in cyber bullying using Facebook and Instagram to insult and offend their peers.

Recently, a 13-year-old student in Cayo experienced bullying and as the situation  unfolded during the parents meeting, the school’s administration was made aware of a long list of students that were being bullied and the group of students that were bullying others.

During the discussion, more parents had to be called in, and at that session, several students shed tears in expressing how they felt and what had been done to them.

It is our job as a community, as teachers, parents and neighbors to join efforts and take action against bullying.

This involves a commitment to create a safe environment where children can thrive, socially and academically, without being afraid.

Teachers and school administrators are advised to observe, intervene and investigate reports of bullying and address it immediately.

Parents, students and friends need to be part of the solution and become their own anti bullying task force.

We can also teach students skills to be able to intervene when bullying occurs and older students can become mentors for younger students.

With relation to cyber bullying, parents and school administrators can set boundaries on reports of these types of posts attacking other students.

Most importantly, we must teach our children how important it is to value and love everyone and that God loves all of us equally.

All students must be treated equally because that is their fundamental right.

Together, we can work toward creating a safe environment for all students and speak up against bullying.

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