School bullying: Expert warns against public shaming of kids on social media

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

The Founder, Starburg Empowerment Foundation, Gloria Bakare, has cautioned Nigerians against public shaming of minors on social media, saying it is not a solution to the problem but an addition of salt into an injury.

She gave the advice following the criticism that greeted the recent bullying of a student at the Igbinedion Secondary Educational Centre, Benin.

Bakare, who is a mental health expert, said that though she is not in support of any act of bullying she insistedd the bullier can be handled without creating more problems for them in the future.

According to her, “I have heard many people sharing their views about what transpired at Igbinedion Secondary Educational Centre, Benin.

“Here is my professional opinion. As a Mental Health Counselor and advocate, I want to address the incident involving students of Igbinedion Educational Centre that is currently trending on social media.

“Let me state clearly, bullying is wrong and unacceptable in any school environment. Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and protected in school. The student who was bullied deserves support, protection, and proper psychological care to help him heal from the trauma of that experience.

“However, we must also remember that all the individuals involved are minors. While the act of bullying must be condemned and properly addressed by the school and the parents involved, public shaming of children on social media is not the solution.

“Turning the incident into online humiliation can create another layer of psychological harm and may damage the future of these young boys permanently. What is needed now is responsibility, correction, and rehabilitation

“The victim should receive emotional and psychological support, the students involved in the bullying should face appropriate disciplinary measures and counseling, the school must strengthen its anti-bullying policies and student guidance systems.

“As a society, we must be careful not to replace one form of bullying with another through social media mob justice, this situation should serve as a wake-up call for schools, parents, and the community to invest more in mental health education, empathy, and anti-bullying awareness among our children”,

The mental health counselor further called on Nigerians to join hands to correct the wrong, support the victim, guide the offenders, and protect the future of every child involved.