Students found bullying kids who recovered from Covid-19 could be suspended: Sharjah Police

Sharjah - The police have also appealed to parents to report any bullying incident, so that the abuse can be immediately stopped.

A student could get suspended from school for bullying a child who has recovered from Covid-19, education authorities and the Sharjah Police have warned.
The police have also appealed to parents to report any bullying incident, so that the abuse can be immediately stopped.
A top official at the Ministry of Education (MoE) said schools have a crucial role to play in both understanding and responding to the various challenges arising from the pandemic, including the impact of bullying on a child's mental health.
Education authorities in the country have instructed schools to deem bullying against young Covid-19 patients as a dangerous violation under the 'Student Behaviour Management Regulations' spelt out by the MoE, he said.
The strict action that can be taken against bullies includes deducting their grades, suspending them from class, and transferring them to another school.
A principal of a private school in Sharjah said that in their institution, bullying students who have recovered or are recovering from Covid-19 is considered a "third-degree offence".
He explained that it is important to address such cases as mockery and abuse could leave a "serious psychological impact" on children.
"It may force him to even shun his classmates. The victim may isolate himself, and it might have a bearing on his academic performance."
Online conversations being monitored
Schools have said they are already on the lookout for bullying incidents, keeping a tab on online conversations between students. Any form of bullying - be it verbal, physical or cyber - will not be tolerated, they stressed.
Brig Arif bin Hudaib, director of media and moral guidance at the Sharjah Police, said a child could be exposed to cyber-bullying during e-lessons or on WhatsApp groups.
He said the police would continue working on spreading awareness among students. They also urged parents to monitor the behaviour of their children. Those who had experienced bullying are also encouraged to come forward and report the incident.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com 

• Sharjah