Week-long campaign to address cyberbullying in Covid time

abu dhabi — Today, the Ministry of Education is set to launch the fourth National Bullying Prevention Week, kickstarting a campaign to raise awareness on bullying in the time of Covid-19 and distance learning.

Running until November 21, the nationwide drive will be held in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and in partnership with more than 28 federal and local entities.

The awareness drive is organised under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).

“The concerted efforts of the federal and local institutions and civil society to address the phenomenon of bullying and raising awareness about it underscore the endeavour of the country to ensure that the best interests of the child are above any consideration to protect his rights and guarantee his well-being and safety of growth,” Sheikha Fatima said in a statement ahead of the event’s launch.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the world, changes have taken place that has had a profound impact on everyone, especially children, and with the application of the distance learning and remote

The Ministry of Education seeks to mobilise efforts to strengthen a noble value system for students in various public and private schools, based on the inherent virtues of the UAE society.” Jameela al Muheiri,

Minister of State for Public Education

work system, we see the pivotal role that the internet plays in the continuation of the learning process. This makes us more alert to the phenomenon of bullying in the digital space.”

With 54 virtual workshops for 64 educational institutions, the campaign will address cyberbullying among students and educate them on the best ways to deal with it. Experts will also explain bullying in the context of the current pandemic time, along with intervention methods and how education professionals can help prevent such incidents.

Besides students, the initiative also aims to reach parents, administrators, teachers, nurses, bus supervisors, drivers, cleaners, workers at school canteens and all other members of society.

Jameela Al Muheiri, Minister of State for Public Education, affirmed that the Ministry of Education seeks to mobilise efforts to strengthen a noble value system for students in various public and private schools, based on the inherent virtues of the UAE society.

The campaign comes as part of the UAE’s efforts to look after the wellbeing of students within the school environment, she added.

Throughout the week, trained educators and consultants will visit public and private schools and shed light on various issues on the subject of bullying. —