Bullying and ragging in the country's educational institutions at times cross all limits. In the universities, especially dormitories, ragging turns into intimidation, shaming and physical torture. The authorities' role in preventing the suffering is minimal as the student wing of the political party in power often happens to be active behind the horrendous crime. The situation in schools and colleges is not so terrible. It does not mean that any form of bullying should be tolerated, as many students face bullying in classes, schools, playgrounds and even outside the school compounds.
Bullying is generally defined as 'any repeated or intentional act or behaviour that causes harm to another person physically or mentally.' It includes acts of aggression, intimidation, and discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Actually, bullying is a prevalent form of youth violence as it involves physical aggression like hitting and kicking, primarily by boys. Among the girls, it is mostly relational bullying that manipulates social standing or reputation. Gossip, social exclusion, starting or spreading a rumour behind someone's back, or threatening to stop being friendly with someone if s/he doesn't act in a certain way are prominent in this connection.
Usually, bullies have power advantages compared to the victims. Bullies may be physically stronger, more popular, and more influential socially. They are supported by the bystanders or peers who witness the intimidation or shaming event and take a position in favour of the bullies.
It is disappointing that the authorities concerned in the country have long overlooked the problem of school bullying. Instead of paying heed to the growing problem, the authorities indifferently allowed to continue the evil deeds that have traumatised the lives of thousands of students every year. However, some educational institutions adopt their anti-bullying stance, which helps curb the bad acts there.
The High Court finally ordered the formulation of an anti-bullying policy.
Following the order, the education ministry finally outlined a 'Policy for the Prevention of Bullying and Ragging in Educational Institutions 2023' last June. There needs to be more initiatives to implement it. Against the backdrop, the High Court again ordered the ministry to send copies of the policy to all educational institutions nationwide in the third week of this month. The court also ordered to form committees to implement the policy within six months.
School bullying or ragging is a social problem growing for various reasons. One of the reasons is teachers' indifferent attitude they maintain by keeping themselves aloof from conflicts among their students. On many occasions, they also ask the victims to avoid the bullies and stay silent. Teachers are, however, not alone to blame. They are primarily handicapped as there are no administrative rules and mechanisms to punish the bullies.
Again, bullies generally come from influential sections of society; some have strong political affiliations with their families.
So, teachers and school authorities prefer to avoid backlash from influential guardians or social miscreants.
Guardians also can't avoid their responsibilities. Parents and senior family members of the bullies are not unaware of the misdeeds of their children and juniors in school. Nevertheless, they mostly ignore these and, in many cases, take a position in favour of the bullies. Instead of disciplining their sons and daughters, they blame the victims for lodging complaints. Thus, the non-cooperation from the guardians makes the curbing of bullying difficult.
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