Schools affiliated to CBSE have launched steps to prevent bullying and abuse of students.
According to sources, the board has started seeking online feedback from schools to formulate a strong policy to curb the problem of bullying. In its questionnaire, separate for teachers and students, the board has listed different incidents such as teasing, calling hurtful names, physical intimidation or spreading gossip, to understand the forms of bullying in classrooms.
“The identities of those responding to the questionnaire and their responses will be kept anonymous. The survey will help us understand more about the issue of bullying in schools, and subsequently design the best methodology to address this concern effectively,” a CBSE official said.
The board has also asked all affiliated schools to convene a special assembly to read out the pledge against bullying and abuse in class assemblies throughout the year.
Heads of schools in the city have welcomed the move. Suma Padmanabhan, principal, Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School said bullying took place in most schools but was not that serious.
“Usually there is one bully in the class who is identified and sent to the counsellor. In most cases, we involve the parents in handling such cases, as most of it is because of lack of attention at home. We have already informed parents to monitor their children’s activity at home because a lot of bullying happens over the internet and mobile phones,” she said.
The exercise will also encourage students to report abuse or bullying of their friends, and will help check the language used by teachers in classrooms, said Anitha Joseph, a school counsellor.
“Most instances of bullying or abuse are about the use of the playground, as senior students tend to take over the space. Some instances occur during cultural events when a lot of name-calling and insulting happens. Schools should be very careful in dealing with such issues, especially with adolescents,” she said.
