Bullying, a Hidden Danger Worldwide
In the United States, 6 out of 10 children and adolescents suffer some type of bullying. While in Latin America, the percentage of harassment in schools stands at 70 percent.Because of this menace, May 2 was established as the “World Day Against Bullying,” a severe problem that affects millions of primary and secondary school children worldwide and causes at least 200 deaths directly each year.
This date is commemorated internationally, and its primary objective is to raise awareness about the risk posed by bullying in the alarming cases of suicides and violence among the student population. For this reason, during the month of May, different associations of parents and non-governmental organizations worldwide seek protection and self-help mechanisms for children and young people who are directly or indirectly victims of some social blockade, harassment, manipulation, cyberbullying, coercion, intimidation, aggression, threats or homophobic attacks that have become a terrible danger for children and youth populations. Although there has always been abuse and aggression among children and young people, this problem has been intensified by the Covid pandemic in the last three years, bringing with it regrettable consequences that have negatively marked the lives of the affected and their family’s nucleus. Cyberbullying, a widespread form of bullying Currently, cyberbullying is one of the modalities that has reported a very high increase among young people in many countries, who every day suffer some type of harassment through social networks. A report by UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) titled “Violence against children and adolescents in Latin America” in 2021 analyzed the prevalence of bullying among sixth-grade students aged between 11 and 12 in fifteen countries and found two out of every five students are victims of bullying. Parents Must Raise Their Voice Against Bullying It is crucial to denounce bullying and stop this social problem that affects thousands of children and young people worldwide. - Turn to the authorities when you feel the integrity or life of the child or young person is threatened. - Keep evidence of harassment, such as photos, videos, or texts, that can be used to report the aggressor. - It is vital to strengthen values such as solidarity and respect at home and in schools. You can find resources and information at www.stopbullying.gov. |