Bullying continues to be a concern among school-going children in Dimapur, with teachers reporting incidents ranging from teasing and name-calling to social exclusion and physical intimidation. However, the extent of the problem remains difficult to assess because many incidents are not reported.
The issue has also highlighted the need for schools to provide safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments, in line with the broader emphasis on child well-being under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
A child rights activist said the number of reported cases may not reflect the actual prevalence of bullying and harassment among children. Many students, she said, remain silent because of fear, embarrassment, confusion or uncertainty about whom to approach for help.
“Bullying does not stop happening simply because it is not reported,” she said, adding that some incidents take place away from the observation of teachers and school authorities.
According to the activist, safety concerns involving school-going children can extend beyond conventional forms of bullying and include cyberbullying, physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, peer pressure and other forms of exploitation.
Teachers in Dimapur said verbal bullying, teasing, name-calling, social exclusion and physical intimidation were among the behaviours they encountered in schools. With young people increasingly using social media and online platforms, cyberbullying and online harassment have also emerged as areas of concern.
One teacher said serious cases were relatively uncommon in the school, although minor incidents such as name-calling occurred occasionally, particularly among younger students. Such incidents were usually brought to the attention of teachers and addressed sensitively, the teacher said.
Another teacher said bullying and peer conflicts were “quite common”, pointing out that some students may not understand that certain behaviour amounts to bullying. They may treat it as a joke without realising the emotional impact it can have on another student.
Teachers also said students could be reluctant to report incidents because of embarrassment, fear of retaliation or concern about being labelled a “complainer”. At the same time, awareness programmes have encouraged some students to speak up, while some have reported incidents on behalf of their friends.
Several schools have introduced measures to address the issue, including anti-bullying awareness programmes, seminars, classroom activities, counselling and dedicated anti-bullying mechanisms. Such initiatives aim to help students recognise different forms of bullying, understand their impact and become aware of the consequences of such behaviour.
When incidents are reported, schools generally begin by listening to the affected student and speaking with the students involved. Teachers or school authorities may examine the circumstances surrounding an incident and inform parents where necessary.
Depending on the seriousness and nature of a case, schools may also take corrective measures, provide counselling and conduct follow-up with the students involved.
