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International day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying
Posted by Letswalo L Marobane on 18 January 2024, 10:20 SAST
A significant number of children and adolescents around the world face school violence and bullying including cyberbullying, affecting their health, well-being and education as a result.
UNESCO Member States declared the first Thursday of November, the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, Including Cyberbullying, recognizing that school-related violence in all its forms is an infringement of children and adolescents’ rights to education and their health and well-being. It calls upon Member States, UN partners, other relevant international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations, individuals and other stakeholders to help promote, celebrate and facilitate the international day.
This day calls on learners, parents, members of education communities, education authorities and a range of sectors and partners, including the tech industry, to take a part in preventing all forms of violence and fostering safe learning environments, so important for the health, well-being and learning of children and youth.
Commemorations in 2023
The 2023 International Day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying took place on 2 November. It highlighted the strong links between school violence and mental health, under the theme "No place for fear: Ending school violence for better mental health and learning."
Global concern about learners’ mental health and well-being continues to grow, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on learners. Schools are meant to be safe and supportive environments for learners and teachers, but evidence shows this is not always the case, as for many, they can be spaces where violence and bullying affect everyone.
The strong links between mental health and violence in school are worrying: experiences such as violence, bullying and discrimination at school can contribute to poor mental health and affect learning, while feelings of safety are linked to better mental health and education outcomes. We must end violence and promote good mental health in schools to ensure learners learn and thrive in safe and supportive spaces.
