Watching a video of one student bullying another is distressing and disheartening, especially as a parent. It's chilling to imagine how it would feel to see my child subjected to such abuse. But it's equally important to consider the flip side:what if our child is the bully? 1/9

This thought is unsettling but necessary. No child should endure such suffering, yet humans are capable of terrible acts. Getting statistics in Nigeria is challenging, looking at findings from other countries, like the UK, sheds light on the prevalence and impact of bullying. 2/9

According to the Education Policy Institute, approximately two in five young people experience bullying each year, including cyberbullying. Additionally, the consequences are severe, ranging from mental and physical health issues to long-term academic and financial setbacks. 3/9

Reflecting on our online responses to such incidents, it's crucial to question their effectiveness. Many resort to negative comments and harsh judgments, often forgetting the humanity of those involved. Condemning someone to a life of misery for a mistake is unjust. We must.. 4/9

acknowledge our fallibility; many have made errors but escaped public scrutiny. Recollections of my past experiences, such as during my boarding school days, reveal the horrors of collective bullying. From physical violence to psychological torment, the scars run deep. 5/9

But the advent of social media and smartphones amplifies these issues, making everything viral, and blowing it out of proportion. Moving forward, we must exercise caution. Both the bully and the bullied require support, shielded from the unforgiving glare of online judgment. 6/9

School administrations must handle such matters discreetly, prioritizing the well-being of all involved. Parents play a crucial role in educating their children on self-defence and empathy. Those quick to carry out 'online justice' should reflect on their actions. 7/9

Are they perpetuating cyberbullying? It's a sobering question that requires deep reflection on our part. Institutional intervention is paramount. Teachers and governments must collaborate on nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about bullying and its prevention. 8/9

Only through our collective effort can we create a safer, more compassionate environment for our children to learn and thrive in this world. Just as the proverb says “It takes a village to raise a child.” 9/9
#bullyingawareness #JusticeForTheVictim #stopcyberbullying