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Ailyn Agonia
DOHA
As bullying in schools is a significant problem worldwide, Qatar Foundation (QF) schools have made combating different forms of bullying and raising awareness of the effect of bullying on the mental and physical health of children a top priority.
“Qatar doesn’t tolerate bullying; we are one community that is full of differences yet united around important values like respect, loyalty and positivity,” said Sally Chalouhy, counsellor at Awsaj Academy.
In an interview with Qatar Tribune, Chalouhy pointed out that QF’s anti-bullying initiative includes delivering regular lessons on bullying and how to stand up to bullies in classrooms, getting annual statistics through surveys to both students and teachers, and implementing campaigns such as ‘unity week’, ‘kindness campaign’ and ‘online safety’.
On other efforts to raise awareness about bullying in the local community and the role of QF, Chalouhy stressed the importance of empowering youth and helping them to take a stand against bullying.
“Encourage the programmes that we have now, where the leaders are our youth, like the Bully Blockers and the Wellness Ambassadors or students from different QF schools working along with staff from both QF and Sidra Medicine to raise awareness on mental health and mental issues including bullying who won the Pre-University Education (PUE) award this year. Also, educate parents through media and workshops,” she said.
When a child is being bullied, among the immediate actions he/she can do is reporting the incident to a teacher, a parent or a counsellor, she said. Among QF students, she advised finding a bully blocker and asking for help.
“We also teach our students to not be ‘bystanders’. A victim cannot help himself and herself most of the time, that’s why they are victims. They will need the help of the people who are witnessing the act of bullying. Those people should not join the bully, instead refuse and help. Bullies like power, they like attention, we should not give them those.”
She also highlighted the important role of parents in stopping the culture of bullying in schools. She underlined the role of parents in building confidence in their kids and the need for a positive climate at home where kids can tell their feelings, share their thoughts and help in taking decisions.
“Teach their kids that no one is perfect, we are all different. Teach their kids about what matters: good relationships, good manners and values. Encourage their kids’ preferences and hobbies. Also parents need to help their kids find balance and routine especially that the online world is taking most of our time now. Bullying can happen online. Kids must have a routine that incorporate physical activity, family time and sleep time. It helps them stay and feel well physically and emotionally,” she added.
DOHA
As bullying in schools is a significant problem worldwide, Qatar Foundation (QF) schools have made combating different forms of bullying and raising awareness of the effect of bullying on the mental and physical health of children a top priority.
“Qatar doesn’t tolerate bullying; we are one community that is full of differences yet united around important values like respect, loyalty and positivity,” said Sally Chalouhy, counsellor at Awsaj Academy.
In an interview with Qatar Tribune, Chalouhy pointed out that QF’s anti-bullying initiative includes delivering regular lessons on bullying and how to stand up to bullies in classrooms, getting annual statistics through surveys to both students and teachers, and implementing campaigns such as ‘unity week’, ‘kindness campaign’ and ‘online safety’.
On other efforts to raise awareness about bullying in the local community and the role of QF, Chalouhy stressed the importance of empowering youth and helping them to take a stand against bullying.
“Encourage the programmes that we have now, where the leaders are our youth, like the Bully Blockers and the Wellness Ambassadors or students from different QF schools working along with staff from both QF and Sidra Medicine to raise awareness on mental health and mental issues including bullying who won the Pre-University Education (PUE) award this year. Also, educate parents through media and workshops,” she said.
When a child is being bullied, among the immediate actions he/she can do is reporting the incident to a teacher, a parent or a counsellor, she said. Among QF students, she advised finding a bully blocker and asking for help.
“We also teach our students to not be ‘bystanders’. A victim cannot help himself and herself most of the time, that’s why they are victims. They will need the help of the people who are witnessing the act of bullying. Those people should not join the bully, instead refuse and help. Bullies like power, they like attention, we should not give them those.”
She also highlighted the important role of parents in stopping the culture of bullying in schools. She underlined the role of parents in building confidence in their kids and the need for a positive climate at home where kids can tell their feelings, share their thoughts and help in taking decisions.
“Teach their kids that no one is perfect, we are all different. Teach their kids about what matters: good relationships, good manners and values. Encourage their kids’ preferences and hobbies. Also parents need to help their kids find balance and routine especially that the online world is taking most of our time now. Bullying can happen online. Kids must have a routine that incorporate physical activity, family time and sleep time. It helps them stay and feel well physically and emotionally,” she added.
