Need for watchful eyes in schools
After being on the receiving end of bullying for 10 years in the United Kingdom, there are several factors that have to be tackled and enforced ("Focus: Bullying in schools", Gulf News, May 7). Children emulate what they have been exposed to at home. The role of a parent has to be highlighted. Children's tongues and fists are no different to adults. Also, schools should allow children to approach people in charge. Teachers have to step in and there should be no favourites. I went to my head teacher at primary school and that held some weight in approaching the bully and the parents. Guidance teachers are great but there never seems to be any resolution to the issue. In many cases it just seems to inflame the issue further. Toilets and playgrounds are the cesspits of activity but they are never fully checked. Having student wardens not only looks good for the school, but also enables watchful eyes within the school. Gender doesn't draw a line for bullies — both male and females can bully others with no consideration. Schools have to take a stance against bullying.
From Ms Charlaine B.
UK

Schools do pay attention
In most cases, when bullying comes to the notice of the teachers or the management, action is taken by way of reprimand and counselling of one or both parties. Academic excellence is not the only issue of concern for a school. We send our children to school for their all round personality development. This includes developing a sense of self esteem and respect for individuals. If an institution fails to take care of the personality related problems faced by its students, then it's doing only half the job. More often than not, it is easy for teachers to spot bully behaviour among students. It is then taken up with the school management, parents and counsellors to help rectify the situation.
From Ms Saba Asim
Dubai

Role models
It is a misconception that good manners make a child vulnerable to bullying. Manners refine the personality of any person. Children must be reinforced from a young age. They need to know the difference between good and bad. They have to be introduced to the moral values of compassion, prayers, sympathy and humbleness as it has a greater impact in moulding their personal life. Quality time must be spent with children at home, which will help them bond with their parents and siblings. As children are greatly influenced by the society, it is the duty of the parents to monitor the friends their children keep. We must be role models for our children.
From Ms Sharadha Sundaresan
UAE

Joint effort
Traits may be genetically inherited, but the environment in which children grow up has a massive impact on their behaviour and nature. We need to lead by example. We cannot shout at our children and ask them to speak politely. Bullying is a potentially damaging form of violence. Victims can be prone to poor self-esteem and other psychological problems. Considering the fact that the early years of life are crucial for an individual's health and well-being, it is vital to address this issue seriously. What we need is a joint approach from parents, teachers and children. Parents need to engage in constant interaction with their children to ensure that they are growing with enough attention and care. Teach children to be assertive and seek help when necessary. They have to be encouraged to speak about the problems they face.
From Ms Meera Sanood
UAE

Different from the others
I don't think any parent would want their child to be a bully. I personally think children learn to bully from their seniors. The victims are usually children who are different from the others or even weird in behaviour. Bullying can also be perpetrated by teachers and the school system itself. Children bully others when they are frustrated or are not getting the right amount of attention and love from their family. Parents and teachers play a major role in bringing these children back to the right path.
From Ms Shamil Thomas
Dubai

Negative impact
In my view, I think children do learn to bully from their parents! A bully is born in a hostile environment devoid of love, care and nurturing. It depends on how he or she is brought up by the parents. The main reason a child becomes a bully is because his or her parents may be tough with the upbringing. Domestic violence, physical abuse, cruel punishments at home taunts children in such a way that they feel the need to exact revenge. So they turn to bullying their peers and those around them.
 From Mr Amith Babu
Ras Al Khaimah

Unhealthy mind
Bullying is the expression of a negative mentality. A healthy mind will always express a positive attitude and good culture, whereas an unhealthy mind will always find pleasure in hurting others. A depressed and disappointed mind, when left uncared, takes the path that soothes the irritation and finds pleasure in seeing others getting hurt. It has to be noticed from the beginning and requires parents' attention. It could get intensified in schools and thus teachers and school authorities should take proper measures to handle it.
From Ms Annie R Samuel
Umm Al Quwain

Bad influence of the media
Children's early age learning begins at home with their parent's guidance and support. Next the school level disciplines them in their academic field. Mostly parents ignore their young children's mistakes as well as aggressive nature. This ignorance shapes a child's life differently so parents need to make their child realise the difference between good and bad and their consequences and put a stop in the beginning itself. Sometimes parents need to understand and have their private discussions and arguments away from the children. Their prior consideration should be to make their child feel safe and give them a healthy environment to grow in. Adultery and violence that children are exposed to via the internet or media needs to be avoided.
From Ms Sangeetha Subba
 UAE