Introduction

Blackmail, mockery, intimidation – bullying at school takes many forms. A common phenomenon in schoolyards, this scourge has serious consequences for both the mental health and studies of students. What are the warning signs? How to combat bullying in schools? Here are some answers.

Bullying at School: A Constant Threat

According to UNESCO statistics, one in three students is a victim of bullying every month. In Madagascar, the “Study on violence against children in Madagascar” by the Imaso Ivoho association revealed that 58% of students, including 53.7% of girls and 46.3% of boys, are victims. Bullying refers to repetitive violence over a more or less long period of time, occurring at school. This violence can be physical (hitting, shoving, inappropriate gestures, confinement, etc.) or psychological (insults, threats, humiliation, blackmail, mockery, etc.). Bullying creates an unequal power relationship and a climate of oppression for the bullied child. The latter finds himself in a situation of control, generally out of sight of adults.

Alert Signs to look out For 

Bullying has a considerable impact on the emotional and mental well-being of the bullied child. Low self-esteem, stress, constant fear and insecurity, and even suicide is among the psychological consequences of this form of abuse. Out of fear or shame, the bullied child generally remains silent about the violence he is a victim of. Parents and teachers must therefore be particularly vigilant to detect the signs of bullying. Increased irritability, withdrawal, school phobia, declining grades, eating disorders, insomnia, damaged school supplies or unexplained injuries may be indicators.

Taking Action against Bullying: Recommendations

To avoid extreme psychological distress, it is crucial to act quickly. Faced with such a situation, active communication with the victim is essential. Parents must encourage dialogue and offer unconditional support to help the child express themselves freely, without fear of being judged. Active listening and acknowledging their feelings helps create a safe environment where the victim can share their experiences. In the event of bullying, it is also essential to strengthen the victim’s confidence and self-esteem by encouraging them to do activities where they feel valued and competent. Alerting the teaching team and/or school management, who can intervene with the bully, is also essential. Finally, professional psychological support is essential in the event of traumatic stress in the bullied child following school bullying.

Conclusion

School bullying is a worrying reality, profoundly impacting the schooling and well-being of bullied children, both in Madagascar and in the rest of the world. It is therefore essential to be attentive to the signs of school bullying, often insidious, and to act quickly. Dialogue, active listening, support and reporting are essential levers to effectively combat this phenomenon and break the cycle of violence.

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