Ajman Police launch anti-bullying drive in schools

The penalty could be excluding the student temporarily or permanently from school.

The Ajman Police have launched an anti-bullying campaign to address the issues in schools, according to a top official.
Lt Abdullah Khalfan Al Nuaimi, head of awareness section at the community police in Ajman, told Khaleej Times that the police had launched the educative drive to train students and the staff on how to deal with the phenomenon that harms students' learning abilities and even cause depression.
"The police are making efforts during the academic year to prevent students from bullying as they tend to have a higher chance of engaging in criminal activities."
The campaign was launched in cooperation with the Ajman Social Development Centre (ASDC) and will cover all schools in the emirate. The initiative includes intensive educative and awareness programme targeting middle and high school students. It will shed light on the dangers of the bullying - verbal abuse, violence, sexual harassment and racial discrimination to name a few. The students will also be educated about the danger of bullying and its psychological and social effects. Students will also be warned of the legal consequences of bullying.
The penalty could be excluding the student temporarily or permanently from school," he said.

Teachers, staff can curb bullying

An official at the ASDC said teachers and school administrative staff play a vital role in combating negative practices.
"They can supervise students as bullies approach student during break or lunchtime. They can form undercover patrols among students to report bullies and identify victims. Teachers can also choose bullying as a topic in various activities to remind students of its negative effects and legal consequences.
"If a complaint of bullying is reported at the administration office, the teacher or the staff must bring together both parties involved and also talk to witnesses.
Always remember that bullies often don't act alone. It is important to remember they will have friends who will give similar versions about the accused student that differ to that of the victim. Teachers should derive the truth by talking to all students and attain peace among the students."
afkar@khaleejtimes.com  
 

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