Combating bullying is a national, humanitarian responsibility; require collective action

Dr. Abdullah Al-Shuraika, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Promoting Moderation and Director of the Center for Promoting Moderation at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, emphasized the urgent need to address the growing phenomenon of bullying in Kuwaiti society.

He described it as both a humanitarian and national issue that demands the cooperation of all sectors of society, especially families, to protect the values of respect and coexistence.

Speaking during a panel discussion held under the awareness campaign “Hand in Hand… No to Bullying” — organized by the Center for Promoting Moderation in collaboration with the General Administration of Private Education at the Ministry of Education — the event took place at Nibras International Bilingual School in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh.

Al-Shuraika noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in promoting awareness about the dangers of bullying and curbing its harmful effects, highlighting that this phenomenon has unfortunately begun to surface more frequently in Kuwait, as it has in many parts of the world, reports Al-Rai daily.

He stressed that the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the seriousness of bullying and its moral, psychological, and social consequences. “We must prohibit behaviors that cause harm, slander, or humiliation, whether through words or actions,” he said, adding that the center continues to intensify its campaigns in schools and communities to achieve tangible progress in reducing bullying.

Al-Shuraika revealed that the anti-bullying campaign has so far organized more than 131 activities, including 33 radio and television programs, covering all educational regions in Kuwait for both male and female students.

Through these efforts, the campaign has reached over 5,000 students, with plans for further expansion. He emphasized that the campaign also promotes Kuwait’s values of coexistence, tolerance, and respect for human dignity, regardless of nationality, religion, or background.

He also underlined the essential role of parents in protecting children from bullying — both as victims and as potential perpetrators. “Government and official bodies are fulfilling their national duty through such initiatives, but the family remains the cornerstone in shaping behavior and instilling empathy,” he said.

Fawaz Al-Hasban, a certified trainer at the Center for Promoting Moderation, said the campaign’s fifth phase continues to shed light on bullying in schools, society, and on social media platforms.

He explained that bullying takes several forms — verbal, physical, social, and electronic — and often stems from learned behaviors within the family, especially when children are exposed to violence at home.

Al-Hasban added that an interactive workshop was held for students to highlight human diversity and promote inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities. The session encouraged children to respect and accept differences, embrace tolerance, and understand the causes of bullying and strategies for its prevention.