Why Are Our Schools Still Silent on Bullying?

News Desk 

Islamabad: Bullying in schools is no longer an isolated problem—it has become a growing public health concern with serious implications for adolescents’ emotional, social, and academic development. 

Renowned clinical psychiatrist Dr Sana Farooq has called for a collaborative approach involving parents, teachers, schools, and society at large to address the issue effectively.

Speaking to a local media channel, Dr Farooq highlighted the alarming rise in peer victimization among students, stressing that the emotional impact on victims can be long-lasting. “Bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance,” she explained. “It affects not just the individual, but the wider school environment.”

Dr. Farooq urged parents to play an active role in preventing bullying by maintaining open and honest conversations with their children. Teaching kindness, empathy, and understanding at home, she noted, is key to fostering emotional intelligence and reducing the likelihood of children becoming either victims or perpetrators of bullying.

Equally important, she said, is the role of teachers. Schools must take bullying seriously and actively engage with students rather than ignoring incidents. By creating safe spaces for discussion and remaining vigilant for early warning signs, teachers can intervene before situations escalate, providing support to vulnerable students and helping prevent future incidents.

“Preventing bullying is not only about punishing offenders,” Dr Farooq emphasized. “It’s also about supporting victims and cultivating a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusion in our schools.”

She also underscored the importance of structured collaboration between schools and mental health professionals. Programs such as regular counseling sessions, peer-support initiatives, and anti-bullying campaigns are essential tools in breaking the cycle of aggression and fostering a positive school climate.

Highlighting the societal dimension, Dr. Farooq called for a collective response. “Addressing bullying requires everyone—parents, educators, policymakers, and peers—to work together. Only then can we create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive.” As bullying continues to affect countless adolescents across Pakistan, experts stress that proactive measures at home, in schools, and across society are crucial in building resilient, empathetic, and inclusive communities.