SED decides to put check on bullying, cyberbullying of students

Srinagar, Apr 8: The School Education Department (SED) has decided to put a check on bullying and cyberbullying of school children.

In a fresh circular issued by the Director of School Education Kashmir Tasaduq Hussain Mir, the school heads have been asked to ensure a congenial environment in schools leaving no scope for bullying of students.

“Everyone at school can work together to create a congenial environment where there is no scope for bullying which can go a long way in achieving desired results,” the circular reads.

The Director of School Education Kashmir said that bullying and cyberbullying were a threat to the students’ physical and emotional safety and could impact their social and academic performance in schools.

“Bullying is associated with negative outcomes for those who are bullied, including substance use, suicide, and impacts on physical and mental health,” the circular reads.

The Director of School Education Kashmir said that a mechanism needs to be immediately evolved to ensure zero tolerance for any kind of bullying in the schools.

“Schools should adopt policies to help prevent bullying and cyberbullying. The initiatives like school climate initiatives and support for digital citizenship and positive character development can help to bring a positive change in schools,” the circular reads.

The Director of School Education Kashmir said that the procedures for monitoring student behaviour in school and at home could help schools identify at-risk behaviours and provide interventions before they create safety issues.

"By following the 3 Rs of Bullying (Recognise, Report, and Refuse) we can help to create and maintain safe learning environments in schools,” the circular reads.

The heads of the schools have been asked to display a message within the school premises that gives a strict warning against bullying of school children in schools.

“The banner should give a message that bullying is strictly prohibited inside the school premises and no such act will go unnoticed or unpunished,” the circular reads.

The school heads have been asked to display the same message in the school prospectus as well as at prominent places and other guidelines circulated by the school.

“It is impressed upon the heads of all the government and private educational institutions of Kashmir division to ensure zero tolerance towards bullying and other forms of abuse and put a check on such activities in their respective institutions,” the circular reads. “The circular instructions shall be strictly adhered to.”