Integrated stance needed to stop bullying

An integrated approach that involves students, parents, teachers, administrators and social support network is required to prevent bullying in schools, Fawzia Hassan Gareeb, Undersecretary for Educational Operations at Ministry of Education, said during a conference on the issue. The conference focused on ways to address the issue of bullying among children. She said a safe learning environment in schools was essential and it needed efforts from all concerned. Fawzia inaugurated the conference organised by Al Ishara Consultancy, an organiser of educational conferences, at the Taj Palace in Dubai. Fawzia said that the priority of school officials and educational institutions are appreciated to make the campus safe for students, teachers, administrators and all providing a safe learning environment. Article continues below "Bullying can happen anywhere children gather. Yet, with greater understanding of the extent, seriousness, and dynamics of this problem, the amount and consequences of bullying can be greatly reduced. Together with parents, care givers working in child care programmes, after school and youth programmes, and camps can play crucial roles in bullying prevention," said Carrie Herbert, founder and chief executive of Red Balloon Learner Centre and one of the leading specialists in this area in the UK. He added that the issues surrounding bullying can be complex. Unique position "You are on the front lines, likely to see bullying when it occurs and establish the rules needed to prevent it. You are in a unique position to help them navigate the challenges of their social world. Knowing how — and when — to intervene requires effective strategies and practice," he said. To get rid of bullying, he asserted: "we need to provide a supportive environment in schools and in every classroom, as well as to provide the necessary assistance to the student individually and through family, ensuring the educational rights for all students to have equal opportunities for success and excellence paving the way towards the bright career." Maaulainain, Director General of Al Ishara, said the bullying phenomenon , according to some social scientists, is a form of abuse and victimisation.