In Canada, teacher unions celebrated the Day of Pink on 10 April, the International Day against Bullying, Discrimination, Homophobia and Transphobia in schools. On 3 May, a US initiative, supported by the American Federation of Teachers, “Stand4Change” will also invite school communities throughout the world to take a firm stand against bullying.
Bullying happens every day in schools and undermines teachers’ efforts to create safe schools where boys and girls can grow and learn in an atmosphere of respect. School absenteeism is often related to fears of being bullied at school. Statistics confirm that school violence is an international problem.
“As teachers, it’s our professional duty to speak out against all kind of bullying behaviour, whether physical, verbal or indirect; whether in the community, the classroom, on computer screens or mobile phones, particularly when different studies show that bullying is on the rise, undermining efforts to enhance quality education,” says Education International (EI) General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen.
Consistent with its policy that schools must be safe and secure to ensure the best possible situation for teaching and learning, and that education should advance human rights principles by promoting inclusiveness, diversity and understanding, EI is supporting the various initiatives by its members worldwide to create awareness in schools and communities about bullying and harassment prevention.
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