Bullying is a pervasive issue that manifests in various environments such as schools, universities, workplaces, and other areas where individuals interact, like playgrounds and neighborhoods. It occurs in any setting where students engage with peers, highlighting the need for awareness and intervention.
The motivations behind bullying are complex and varied. It is widely recognized that the deliberate infliction of harm and humiliation can lead to severe consequences for victims, including negative physical, social, emotional, academic, and mental health challenges.
According to the NCPCR's National Report on Safe and Secure School Environment 2019-20, around 90% of schools in India actively discourage and prohibit all forms of bullying. Furthermore, 88% of these institutions reported a low tolerance for incidents related to bullying, harassment, and discrimination, encompassing factors such as caste, religion, and gender.
In India, there are no specific laws that directly address the issue of bullying within schools. While bullying itself is not classified as illegal, if the act leads to a victim's suicide, the perpetrator may be held accountable for abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. Additionally, aspects of physical and cyberbullying can be prosecuted under existing laws, including the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology (IT) Act 2000, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
In response to the rising incidents of bullying, the Ministry of Education has initiated Anti-Ragging Committees (ARCs). The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) mandates the formation of Anti-Bullying Committees (ABCs) within schools to assist children who are victims of bullying. These committees are tasked with penalizing students involved in bullying, and in severe cases, expulsion may be warranted.
Bullying can have numerous detrimental effects on children's mental health, negatively influencing their overall development and well-being. Victims often face long-term psychological issues, which can hinder their academic and social growth.
This guideline stresses the importance of recognizing instances of bullying in schools and immediate environments such as playgrounds and transportation. It advocates for timely redressal and actions to safeguard child victims and to implement measures that prevent future bullying incidents.
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