Schools, for several years now, have tackled bullying with relative success but transgressions continue to evolve. Cyber stalking is the new face of this evil that experts believe is mainly because of increased usage of social media among school children.
Thursday saw principals of city-based schools attend a regional summit at Anand Niketan highlighting state of bullying in schools today.
Organised by Institute of Counsellor Training Research and Consultancy (ICTRC) and Anand Niketan Group of Schools, the forum established that 50% of all bullying is done in the virtual world. This includes stalking over text messages, e-mails, obnoxious pictures, posts, threats and comments.
“The internet is communication available 24x7 which works in the advantage of students ragging their peers,” said Dr Vinnie Jauhari who is director of Institute for International Management and Technology, New Delhi. She was in the city for the summit.
Only one-third of all cases of cyber stalking are ever reported.
Contrary to popular belief, day boarders and students of residential schools are equally affected by these bullies, informed Jauhari.
According to Dr VS Ravindran, director of ICTRC, bullying is an attempt to fulfil certain needs and problems. Students who aren’t confident themselves, turn into bullies. Often misunderstandings and conflicts are reason of increasing number of cases of ragging in schools. “Behaviourial policy must be brought to the notice of parents and school administrations,” said Nashy Chauhan, director of Anand Niketan Group of Schools.
Withdrawal symptoms experienced by adolescents can be gauged when the child demands change of mode of transport, doesn’t talk about classmates, extreme hunger and immediate rush to the loo after reaching home.
“Bathroom is the location where most of the bullying takes place,” said Ravindran.
It was also mentioned at the summit that values cannot be taught, they have to be inculcated in children. “Our school has specified do’s and don’ts and counsellors take care if any such bullying cases if reported. Except for some fighting and foul language, no harsh bullying is experienced in school,” said Vandana Joshi, vice principal of Delhi Public School, Bopal.
