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Early intervention, stronger enforcement critical to curbing bullying in schools — Stakeholders (Page 30)

By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders say early intervention, stronger policy enforcement and youth empowerment are critical strategies to curing bullying in Nigerian schools.

They gave the recommendations at a Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue on Anti-Bullying in Nigerians Schools convened by International Alert Nigeria, in Abuja.

Dr Margaret Ebubedike, Senior Research Fellow, International Education and Development, Open University, UK, said data revealed that bullying remained widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, with between 27 per cent and 50 per cent of children affected.

“Nigeria’s situation appears even more severe. More than half of secondary school students report experiencing bullying.

“Tackling bullying requires a collective response involving parents, educators, policymakers, and communities. We must come together to think creatively and collaboratively about solutions.”

Linking bullying to broader social risks, retired Brig.-Gen Buba Marwa, Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), warned that young people persistently bullied were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.

Marwa, represented by Mrs Henrietta HoldGod, Counselling and Psychosocial Support Unit, NDLEA, explained that in some cases, they may resort to substance use as a coping mechanism.

“Protecting children from bullying also means protecting them from pathways that may lead to drug abuse and other harmful behaviours. Safer schools foster healthier minds, stronger values, and more resilient communities.”

Similarly, the Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, described bullying as a violation of human rights and called for zero-tolerance policies in schools, stronger parental guidance, and community-driven advocacy.

Bello, represented by Rebecca Enwusoyere, a Director at NAPTIP, urged parents and guardians to foster open communication, empathy, and moral guidance at home, calling for awareness campaigns, peer education, and safe reporting mechanisms in schools.

“Community leaders, faith-based organisations, and the media must advocate for positive behavioural change and social values and youths should be equipped with the tools to identify, resist, and report bullying.

From a policy perspective, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to prevention through the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools.

A representative from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs Augustin Udo, said the policy provided a framework for accountability, protection, and enforcement.

Udo urged stakeholders to “move beyond rhetoric” by strengthening reporting mechanisms and fostering empathy among students, teachers, and parents.

Ms Augustina Apakasa, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, also confirmed that implementation guidelines were in place, alongside a dedicated committee to ensure nationwide rollout of anti-bullying measures.

A Behavioural Change Communication expert, Ms Ayotola Ilori, said 32 per cent of Nigerians aged 12 to 17 have experienced bullying, while 85 per cent were either victims, perpetrators, or both.

Ilori stressed that policy development alone was not enough, emphasising the need for system-level integration to ensure effective implementation, particularly in secondary schools across the country.

She urged students to always speak up when being bullied and also called for nationwide collaboration to ensure the policy reaches all 774 local government areas across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr Kingsley Udo, Country Director, International Alert Nigeria, said the initiative was driven by growing concerns over recent bullying incidents, including a widely discussed case in Edo State.

Udo, represented by Mr Sunday Jimoh, Programme Manager, International Alert Nigeria, said the goal was to move beyond awareness and develop concrete policy actions that address bullying early.

“It is important to note that bullying is not confined to schools; it occurs across all spheres of society — sports, workplaces, and even in leadership spaces.

“For example, Nigeria’s President has been described as one of the most bullied presidents globally. This highlights the broader societal nature of the issue.”

Udo, therefore, said the dialogue convened experts to examine what has already been done by governments, schools, and other key stakeholders with the aim to identify existing gaps, highlight critical priorities, and encourage collective action against bullying.

He said at the end of the event, a communiqué would be developed as well as a concept note with a clear advocacy to guide engagement with policymakers.

He said International Alert works with schools to create safe and accessible reporting mechanisms.

He also said that International Alert works with schools to establish Youth Peace Clubs to bring together students from both primary and secondary schools across junior and senior levels to address bullying.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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Early intervention, stronger enforcement critical to curbing bullying in schools — Stakeholders (Page 30)