FIGHT BULLYING: SILENCE IS NOT THE ANSWER! By Dr Amit Dias, MD

An International Youth Day Special!

As we celebrate UN International Youth Day on August 12, we are reminded to create safe spaces for young people — spaces where they are heard, respected, and protected. One of the biggest threats to these safe spaces is bullying — a silent epidemic that continues to hurt countless children and adolescents in schools and colleges across the globe.
In this article, Dr Amit Dias throws light on the harsh reality of bullying, and helps us understand how we can fight it and build a kinder, safer world. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and say: enough is enough.

Why do we need to address bullying?
As we mark International Youth Day, it’s essential to spotlight a serious and widespread issue affecting young people across the globe: bullying. Bullying is not merely a childhood conflict—it’s a repeated, intentional form of aggressive behavior that exploits an imbalance of power. It can manifest in various forms, including:
Physical – hitting, pushing, or other acts of violence
Verbal – name-calling, insults, or threats
Social – exclusion, spreading rumors, or damaging someone’s reputation
Cyberbullying – online harassment through texts, social media, or other digital platforms
The burden of bullying on youth is profound and far-reaching. Victims often suffer in silence, grappling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a decline in academic performance. Many become withdrawn, isolated, or fearful of attending school. In severe cases, the emotional scars can lead to long-term psychological trauma.
Addressing bullying is not just about stopping harmful behavior — it’s about creating a safe, inclusive environment where every young person feels valued, respected and empowered. On this International Youth Day, let’s commit to listening, supporting, and standing up for the voices that are too often silenced.

Why Bullying is NOT OK
— It damages self-esteem
— It affects mental health, causing depression and even suicidal thoughts
— It creates a toxic school environment
— It teaches the wrong values – that intimidation equals strength Bullying isn’t “just fun” or “a rite of passage.” It’s abuse. And it leaves scars.

CHANGE NOW: What to you do if YOU are the Bully ?
It takes courage to admit it, but if you realize that your actions are hurting someone:
• Acknowledge it. You may have acted out of insecurity or peer pressure, but the harm is real
• Apologize sincerely. A heartfelt “I’m sorry” can go a long way.
• Seek help. Talk to a school counselor or teacher to understand your behavior and learn better ways to express yourself.
• Make amends. Stop the behavior immediately and support others in standing against bullying.
• Be the change. You can turn from a bully into a buddy. It’s never too late.

Cyberbullying – The Silent Monster
Cyberbullying involves using technology — phones, computers, social media — to harass, shame, threaten or humiliate someone. It can include:
Sending hurtful messages or threats
Posting embarrassing photos or videos
Creating fake profiles to spread rumors
Cyberbullying is dangerous because it
Reaches a wider audience quickly
Can be anonymous
Happens even outside school hours

How to Report Cyberbullying
Don’t retaliate. Take screenshots and save evidence
Block the bully
Report the content on platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
Inform a parent, teacher, or counselor
In serious cases, report to the Cyber Crime Cell via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal:
www.cybercrime.gov.in

Who Should You Tell?
Anyone you trust:
Parents
Teachers
School Counselors
School Principal
Anti-bullying Committee (if present)
No child should suffer in silence. If you see something, say something.

Anti-Bullying Policy – What Schools Must Have
Every school must have an Anti-Bullying Policy that includes:
Clear definition of bullying
Steps for reporting and responding
Designated authority for investigation
Strict consequences
Counseling and support for victims and bullies
Regular awareness programs and workshops.

Prevention: How to Build a Bully-Free Culture
Educate students about empathy and respect
Set a zero-tolerance policy against bullying
Appoint peer buddies or mentors
Conduct anonymous surveys to identify trouble zones
Train teachers to spot subtle forms of bullying

Be a Buddy, Not a Bully!
Encourage children to support their peers, especially those who feel left out. A smile, a kind word, or a shared lunch can change someone’s day — or even their life.

Bullying in Colleges – The Curse of Ragging
In colleges, bullying often takes the form of ragging. What starts as a “harmless joke” can turn into harassment or abuse.
In India, ragging is a criminal offense. As per the UGC regulations:
Ragging can result in suspension, rustication, or expulsion
FIRs can be filed, leading to imprisonment up to 3 years and fines
Institutions are mandated to take strict action
Report ragging immediately to the anti-ragging committee or via the UGC anti-ragging helpline: 1800-180-5522.

Physical Punishment
Corporal punishment is still a harsh reality in some schools — slapping, caning, or making students stand for long hours.
It is ILLEGAL. The Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009 clearly prohibits physical and mental harassment in schools. Teachers are educators, not enforcers. Discipline can never come from fear.

How to handle bullying — Remember: B.U.L.L.Y.I.N.G
B – Be Kind, Not Cruel
U–Understand Differences
L – Listen to Victims
L – Learn Empathy
Y – You Can Make a Difference
I – Intervene When You See It
N – Never Ignore the Signs
G – Get Help, Give Help

A Message to All Parents
• Talk to your child daily – ask them how their day went
• Watch for changes in behavior
• Encourage open communication
• Teach kindness and respect at home
• If your child is the bully — don’t be defensive. Help them reform
• Partner with schools and teachers – your involvement matters

Let’s Make Schools Safe
Bullying doesn’t just bruise bodies — it bruises souls. Whether in school or college, every student deserves to feel safe, valued, and heard.
Let us promise to create an environment where no child fears walking into school. Where friendships bloom and cruelty has no place.
Together, we can end bullying — one brave voice at a time.