IAMGACAPrevent / 09

Bullying

Physical, verbal, social and online bullying — its impact and how schools, families and children can prevent it.

Ghanaians Against Child AbuseA safer childhood, together

What is bullying?

Bullying is repeated behaviour intended to hurt, frighten or exclude someone, where there is an imbalance of power between those involved.

Forms of bullying

Physical: hitting, pushing, tripping, damaging belongings
Verbal: name-calling, teasing, threats, insults about appearance, family or background
Social: spreading rumours, excluding someone on purpose, embarrassing someone in public
Online (cyberbullying): hurtful messages, sharing private images, impersonation or exclusion in online groups

The impact

Children who are bullied may avoid school, lose interest in learning, and feel lonely, anxious or depressed. Bullying affects bystanders and the children who bully, too.

Prevention

Schools can set clear anti-bullying rules, supervise playgrounds, and give children safe ways to report.

Families can talk with children daily about their day and watch for changes in mood or behaviour.

Children can:

Tell a trusted adult if they or someone else is being bullied
Stand with the person being bullied — kindness is powerful
Refuse to share hurtful messages online