Bullying is on the rise in schools around the world and Nigerian schools are no exception. Bearing in mind that schools have always remained one of the safest places, next to the home in a child’s life, one then wonders if this still holds sway in our present society owing to the ever increasing spate of bullying reports in our schools.

Given the circumstances, one would agree that Nigerian school administrators do have an uphill task to confront this growing menace.

There are several reasons why children may bully others in school and it may be verbal or violent. Some examples of bullying in schools include; teasing, abuse, hitting, pushing, extortion, humiliation etc. No matter the form it comes in, the damage is the same and will only lead to more bullies so it must be stopped.

Consequently, Corona Schools Victoria Island, a member of the Corona Schools’ Trust Council recently organized a weeklong anti-bullying campaign to help put an end to this social evil. By being an integral part of the anti-bullying campaign, the children feel a lot more empowered than before. They know that they are not alone anymore and that they need not continue to feel afraid, ashamed or embarrassed.

The week-long campaign featured art expressions and peer-to-peer advocacy activities by the students among other things. The campaign climaxed with an extended assembly with Pastor Mrs. Nomthi Odukoya, author of a children’s book titled “A Bully is Not a Hero”. She spoke passionately about bullying and expertly worked the children till they became excited and eager to answer questions, share opinions and offer suggestions.

During the highly interactive and engaging session, she read her book to the children, with demonstrations of emotions and actions from the story. She skillfully helped the students understand the difference between a bully and a hero.

She ended by telling the students to write down beautiful things about themselves, and reflect on those things when someone attempts to bully them. In her words: “Don’t let anyone make you feel less about yourself. Believe in yourself. If you believe that you are good, nobody can make you feel bad about yourself.”

The campaign ended with the children singing enthusiastically and chanting the words; “This school is a bully-free zone!”

Corona children saying NO to bullying

For over 60 Years, Corona Schools’ Trust Council has been providing students with sound and solid education while at the same time developing the total child. Corona Schools thrive on an education model that has immensely imparted her students with a good measure of critical thinking, positive values, creative abilities, leadership qualities and the drive to achieve and sustain success in and out of school.

For information about admission into Corona School Nursery and primary, kindly click here.