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 Blog: Bullying is everyone’s problem 

Hi everyone,

As we all know bullying is a global issue that affects millions of students and, according to UNESCO (2023), one in three learners worldwide experiences bullying in school. I recently watched an animated video from the official UNESCO account that highlights this reality through the stories of three young victims. The video is not only informative but also deeply moving and educational. I found it particularly powerful that it showcased different types of bullying from various regions, helping viewers understand that bullying can take many forms and is a shared challenge across cultures.

The animation introduces us to Amir, a 10-year-old boy from the Middle East who enjoys poetry and writing instead of sports, which makes him a target for other boys. Rather than receiving support, his teacher dismisses his experience by saying it’s a normal part of growing up, and his father tells him to “be a man.” This story reflects how gender stereotypes and cultural expectations can silence victims and even normalize bullying.

The second story is about Rani, a 13-year-old girl who moves to a European country from Asia. She struggles with the language and lacks friends, becoming a victim of online bullying based on her ethnicity. The video notes that “ethnicity, nationality or colour is the second most common reason of bullying,” and this is sadly reflected in Rani’s experience (UNESCO, 2023). The most common reason, however, is physical appearance.

This becomes painfully clear in the third story, where Kaya, a 16-year-old from Southern Africa, is bullied because her family cannot afford new clothes. Her appearance becomes a reason for others to pick on her, and the video emphasizes that 15% of students are mocked for how their body or face looks, especially girls, who also face bullying related to their gender.

What struck me most were the statistics that show how bullying affects students far beyond the schoolyard. Many victims become anxious, depressed, or even drop out of school. “42% feel like an outsider at school, 63% feel anxious for tests, and 45% give up on their dreams to pursue formal education after school” (UNESCO, 2023). These numbers are heartbreaking and show that bullying has real and long-lasting consequences.

The video doesn't just present the problem, it also offers a solution. It calls for a “whole education approach,” where teachers, school staff, students, and parents all work together to create a safe, supportive school environment. Everyone needs to recognize bullying, understand its effects, and feel empowered to report and stop it. Schools should be emotionally and physically safe spaces, where respectful relationships and positive behavior are encouraged.

I personally found the video extremely educational and impactful. It’s great that UNESCO chose to highlight different types of bullying, physical, emotional, cultural, and economic, and showed how each can affect young lives. These stories make the issue feel more real and universal. As someone who believes in inclusive and equitable education, I think it's crucial that we take collective responsibility to stop bullying. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported at school.

Reference

UNESCO. (2020, November 5). Together against school bullying (long version) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgMwh5Fnp3I  

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