Bullying in schools: horror experiences of students are shocking!

Bullying in schools: horror experiences of students are shocking!

Psychological violence and bullying are issues that are increasingly putting pressure on our schools. According to a current survey by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), the situation at schools has become significantly more tense in recent years. Over half of the more than 1,000 teachers surveyed at general schools reported an increase in psychological violence among students. What is particularly alarming is that around 44 percent of teachers have noticed an increase in physical violence, while almost half of those surveyed hear frequent insults, insults and belittlements. These are not platitudes, these are real-time reports from teachers who work in an area that was often considered a “safe space” for our children.

A shocking example is 16-year-old Sarina, who has been subjected to massive bullying attacks since she was in second grade. She had to change schools a total of five times because discussions with parents and school administrators had no effect. One incident was particularly shocking when she was pushed against a cupboard by classmates. The positive tuning switch in this story is that Sarina finally found peace after moving to a private school. She has built up a large following on social media with over 150,000 TikTok followers, where she also faces hateful comments but has developed strategies to deal with them. Their message is clear: bullying needs to be taken seriously and people who witness such incidents should not turn a blind eye.

The numbers speak for themselves

The PISA 2022 study shows alarming figures: 20 percent of 15-year-old students say they are affected at least a few times a month. 7 percent reported that they are bullied very often. Another, broader report from the OECD illustrates that in some European countries almost half of students have experienced frequent bullying, with figures for Germany also coming up here. A survey by Statista makes it clear that the issue of bullying is a serious matter not only in this country, but also throughout Europe. The necessary awareness of this problem is an important step in initiating change.

A focus on cyberbullying also reveals worrying trends. A comprehensive WHO study that analyzed 44 countries shows that around 15 percent of young people have experienced cyberbullying. The trend is increasing, which presents society with additional challenges. Specifically, statistics have shown that the increase is observed among both boys and girls. With 12 percent of young people actively engaging in cyberbullying, the pressure to act in this area is enormous.

Need for action and outlook

So how can we effectively counteract bullying in our schools? Experts are calling for urgent action to improve emotion regulation and promote positive social interactions among youth. As we look ahead to a new school year, it is up to teachers, parents and students alike to set boundaries and create a safe environment. It's not a question of "if" but of "how" - how we can work together to ensure a better school environment.

Let's summarize the facts: Bullying is a serious challenge in schools. The voices of affected students like Sarina make the situation tangible. It is crucial that both society and politics pay more attention to this issue. These voices want to be heard, clearly and powerfully, and they demand change. This is the only way the school environment can become a better place – for everyone.