Qatar Foundation schools have organized various activities that involve teachers and students to promote awareness of the different methods of combating the varying forms of bullying.

In light of this year’s anti-bullying week, the activities educate students on the steps to be taken when responding to a bully. It emphasized how silently observing bullying contributes to its escalation and can also lead to being a victim in the process.

Teaching social skills is one of the main focuses at Awsaj Academy, a school under Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education that specializes in addressing the needs of students with learning difficulties.

Each year, for Anti-Bullying Week, the school holds activities designed to teach students how they should respond to intimidating behavior and to emphasize the importance of empathy and friendliness between students.

“The issue of school bullying is one that we need to address and stand against through conscious and effective approaches, particularly because it significantly affects the mental health of children and young people,” said Sally Chalouhy, Counselor at Awsaj Academy. 

“This year, cyberbullying was at the center of our activities during Anti-Bullying Week, due to the exceptional circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to remote learning. These included sending out a detailed presentation about online safety to our teachers in order for them to discuss it with students.”

A group of students from different grades has been assembled under the initiative ‘Bully Blockers’, which was formed five years ago by the school. They proactively spread awareness of bullying through shooting videos showing how they can defend themselves in such a situation.

Additionally, students and their parents have been requested to design their own T-shirt with a statement that reflects an anti-bullying slogan and wear it to school on a certain day.

At QF school Qatar Academy Sidra, educating students about bullying and safeguarding is part of a framework of social and emotional learning that, for the past three years, has been taught year-round.

Each month is dedicated to a certain theme, with November dedicated to learning how to respond to bullying and personal safeguarding, while December will focus on emotional management and February will concentrate on mindfulness.

In accordance with its theme for November, students from the primary to the secondary stage were educated on the methods to combat bullying, with a large focus on recognizing characteristics in relation to safe and unsafe environments. Real-life scenarios were simulated to help respond to bullying more effectively and the pressure that comes with it.

Students were given the opportunity to share their thoughts on interacting with others, to help develop their social and communication skills, and made a pledge to speak out when they or someone they know is being bullied. Senior schoolteachers also played videos about bullying and how it should be tackled during lessons.

For more information on Qatar Foundation’s initiatives, please visit qf.org.qa

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