Sharjah: The Sharjah Child Safety Foundation has called on parents, caregivers and educators to increase their awareness of the various forms of bullying and reflect on their daily behaviour, stressing that protecting children begins with adults understanding the impact of their actions and words and creating safe environments based on respect and empathy.
The call comes amid data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which indicates that one in three students worldwide experiences bullying every month. Students who are bullied are also twice as likely to experience severe feelings of isolation, insomnia and suicidal thoughts.
The foundation explained that bullying extends beyond physical assault and verbal abuse to include threats, ridicule, spreading rumours, humiliation and deliberate social exclusion. It can also involve encouraging others to avoid a child or exclude them from group activities, as well as harassment through digital platforms.
It warned against dismissing such behaviour simply because it leaves no visible physical marks, highlighting the psychological harm it can cause and its impact on a child’s self-confidence.
The foundation said harmful behaviour can occur within the family, at school, during social and sporting activities, or in digital spaces. Such behaviour may sometimes be disguised as playfulness or discipline and can include repeatedly embarrassing a child in front of others, belittling their appearance or abilities, negatively comparing them with their peers, or minimising their feelings.
It added that children develop patterns of interaction with others through observation and imitation.
Child Safety urged adults to help children recognise harmful behaviour, develop their ability to respond appropriately and encourage them to seek help when needed.
