Bullying: A Persistent Problem in Prestigious Schools

Erum Jamal Tamimi

Islamabad: Ahmed stepped out of the school gate, moving slowly, his head down, and one hand desperately covering part of his face.

His mother’s heart sank. As he got closer, she could finally see it—an ugly, swollen bruise around his eye, red and throbbing with pain. He looked up at her briefly, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and embarrassment, before quickly looking away.

She froze, the air around her thick with tension.

What had they done to him? 

The polished reputation of the prestigious institution felt like a cruel illusion now, a shiny exterior masking the uncomfortable reality beneath, shattered by the brutality that had clearly struck her son.

The bully, as it turned out, was no ordinary student. He was the son of someone with deep connections, a high profile figure whose influence seemed to extend far beyond the school walls. When Ahmed’s mother stormed into the headmistress’s office, demanding answers, she expected swift justice.

But what she got was a dismissive nod and a “pink letter”—a mere warning handed to the bully, nothing more. No suspension, no real consequences. Just a pat on the back for a privileged child. Meanwhile, Ahmed, the one who had suffered, was left feeling unsafe, his parents humiliated by the lack of action.

They had no choice but to pull him out of the school, the only solution left for families like theirs.

Sadly, this is becoming all too familiar—where the well connected get a free pass, and those without influence are left picking up the pieces, invisible in the eyes of those who should protect them.

Factors Fueling Bullying

Bullying in schools is a troubling issue that stems from various underlying factors.

Some children, especially those from affluent families, may feel a sense of superiority over their peers. They often believe their parents’ status shields them from consequences, leading to a toxic sense of entitlement.

Many bullies target others to mask their own insecurities. By putting others down, they temporarily feel stronger and in control, but this behavior ultimately stems from their own struggles.

A significant number of bullies have not learned to understand or respect the feelings of others. Without emotional intelligence, they fail to recognize the harm they inflict, seeing their actions as harmless fun.

Some children act out because they feel neglected or overlooked at home. The aggressive behavior can be a desperate cry for attention, even if it comes in negative forms.

Exposure to violent content and video games can desensitize children, making them more likely to resort to physical or verbal abuse when conflict arises.

In our society, where we already witness daily news of violence, unchecked childhood bullying can evolve into serious acts of aggression in adulthood, turning society into a breeding ground for jungle’s law.

Empower Children Safely

In today’s world, ensuring children’s safety is paramount. Parents play a crucial role in creating an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their experiences, whether discussing everyday events or serious issues like bullying.

Open dialogues foster trust and enable early problem-solving. Empowering children with confidence and assertiveness equips them to confront bullies effectively, while also teaching them the importance of walking away or seeking help from trusted adults when necessary. Additionally, instilling the value of kindness and respect for personal boundaries is essential in preventing bullying behavior.

Children must understand that violence—whether physical or verbal—is never an acceptable solution to conflicts, promoting a culture of empathy and understanding among peers.

Consequences for Bullying

Addressing bullying requires early intervention from parents. When discovering that their child is engaging in bullying behavior, it’s essential not to dismiss it as merely a phase.

Open conversations about the impact of such actions can lead to meaningful change. Modeling positive behavior at home is equally important, as children often mimic what they observe.

When parents manage conflicts with patience, respect, and kindness, they provide a powerful example for their children.

Additionally, implementing consequences is vital; children must understand that their actions have real repercussions, which may include limited privileges or collaborating with schools to enforce penalties for repeated bullying.

In more persistent cases, seeking professional help from counselors or psychologists can offer further support, helping children develop better coping mechanisms and emotional intelligence for healthier peer interactions.

Erum Jamal Tamimi is a media professional with expertise in content creation, program coordination, and media strategy. She currently contributes to Radio Pakistan Islamabad.