Bullying a big concern in school: Survey

New Delhi: A recent survey carried out in 300 schools of Delhi and its surrounding regions revealed that 96 per cent respondents consider bullying a significant concern in schools as it has a traumatic effect on kids.

Also, 57 per cent of the respondents feel bullying is most prevalent in the age group of 13-17 years, according to the survey by Fortis National Mental Health Programme.

“When we think of bullying, we usually tend to think of a bigger or stronger student physically threatening or beating up a smaller or ‘weaker’ person. Around 57 per cent respondents as per survey feel that bullying is most prevalent in the age group of 13-17 years,” said Dr Samir Parikh, Director of Mental Health and Behavioural Science, Fortis.

Dr Samir Parikh further added, “However, there are other kinds of bullying that are just as prevalent, be it calling someone names and teasing them, spreading gossip and rumours about an individual, spreading malicious content online or singling them out and systematically isolating them from a group. While these forms of bullying may not endanger the student physically, their consequences can be just as devastating”.

Instances of bullying have far reaching consequences for the victim, experts feel.

During the survey, 61 per cent respondents reported witnessing bullying in classrooms and 75 per cent in school corridors.

Children who are bullied may begin to experience difficulties in all spheres of their life, be it academic, emotional or social.