…Join forces with teachers, others to combat browbeater
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The atmosphere at Meadowlands School, Durumi, Abuja, was charged as students and staff came together for a transformative anti-bullying week, with the theme, “United Against Bullying; Respect for All.” The campaign was packed with meaningful conversations, creative activities and reflections aimed at fostering empathy, respect and inclusion.
This initiative did not only raise awareness about bullying, but also empowered students to play active roles in creating a safe and supportive school environment. Through their voices, experiences and actions, Meadowlands reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on bullying while promoting the enduring power of kindness.
Its Principal, Samuel Bena, said: “If students are not sensitised, they will not know what bullying is, how it comes about and the ways through which students are being bullied or how to combat it.
“Everybody within the school system is involved in this campaign. The teachers are leading the crusade to ensure that there’s no bullying coming from them or happening among students.
Bena said Meadowlands has minimal cases of bullying: “We don’t tolerate even a drop of it. Bullying, whether cyber bullying, verbally, or physically is dealt with using the same measures.
“School managers, teachers, students, parents and indeed everyone must be involved to check acts of bullying.
“Beyond the school environment, law enforcement agents and members of the public should be vigilant in identifying and handling of cases of bullying without fear or favour.”
Students speak out
Student participants told personal stories and lessons learnt. Joshua Obalonye had been bullied in the past: “It was a bad experience. I talked to my teacher about it and she reported it to the head teacher. The person was punished.” His message is clear: “Stop bullying.”
Eliora Shedrack, has not been bullied:
“Bullying hurts children’s mental health and should not be encouraged. Here in Meadowlands School, we have zero tolerance for bullying.” She added that campaigns like this serve as reminders to always stand up for others and create safe spaces for everyone.
Bryan Momoh shared his complex experience of being in primary school: “There were four people who formed a group. They kept saying bad things to others.” He didn’t report them at first: “They made it look like play and turned things around to make the victim seem like the bully. In the eyes of teachers, they acted well behaved but were completely different behind their backs.
“I managed to face them intelligently. Eventually they became nice people. Speak nicely to bullies first, it keeps blame off you and shows you’re kind. If that doesn’t work, report them to higher authorities. The authorities when meting out punishment should ensure the bully learns from it and not just punishing for the sake of it.”
Eden Odllor reflected on her experience with social bullying outside school: “It wasn’t major bullying. I was just insulted but it still hurt. This anti-bullying campaign made me think of ways to be nicer to people.
“My friends have said the same thing too. “When you see bullying occurring, stand up against it or report it to someone who can help.
“I learned how much bullying hurts others and why we should put ourselves in their shoes.”
The week featured creative activities designed to educate students about bullying while fostering kindness and empathy; students designed anti-bullying posters displayed around campus with messages such as “Spread Love” and “Be Kind Always.”
A special “Kindness Day” encouraged students to perform small acts of kindness such as complimenting others or offering smiles and respectful greetings.
Discussions and presentations highlighted real life stories of bullying’s effects on mental health and relationships. Poetry readings and slideshows emphasised themes like inclusion and being “buddies instead of bullies.”
Executive Director, Equality Development and Research (EDR) Centre, Marsha Nwanne, said bullying needs to be addressed early in life: “If we teach students now about its dangers, we prevent them from growing into adults who perpetuate these harmful behaviours in workplaces tomorrow.”
She introduced reflection diaries for students as part of the campaign’s legacy project.
These diaries, she said, would help identify five outstanding anti-bullying advocates among Meadowlands students who will join a global movement against bullying: “This holistic approach creates a ripple effect that benefits individuals, families and society at large.”
Bena believed that while the week may have ended, its lessons would continue to guide daily interactions within their community. For students like Eliora Shedrack and Eden Odllor, this campaign left lasting impressions about standing up for others and treating everyone with respect regardless of background or differences.
The message is clear: By being vigilant advocates for kindness both inside and outside school walls; and by choosing everyday to “be a buddy instead of a bully,” we can create communities where everyone feels valued, supported and accepted.