Govt frames policy to stop bullying, ragging in educational institutions

The government has published a policy to stop bullying and aggressive ragging at educational institutions aiming to ensure a safe and education-friendly environment for the students in the country.

The policy was issued, mandating strict measures against teachers and students involved in ragging, the training of specific teachers as counsellors, and regular monitoring to curb bullying and ragging.

Education Ministry published the policy titled “Policy for the Prevention of Bullying and Ragging in Educational Institutions 2023,” signed by the Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Suleman Khan on Tuesday.

The policy will be implemented immediately and it will apply to all public and private secondary schools, colleges, universities, madrasash, and technical educational institutions across the country. It states that each educational institution must form a form Anti Bullying Committee consisting of three to five members.

The committee will take necessary measures regarding problems created due to suicide, bullying and ragging at educational institutions.

The committee will also arrange regular meetings and discuss the monitoring activities and submit the report to the authority concerned, according to the policy.

If allegations of bullying or ragging are found against any teacher, staff member, student or even members of the governing council, action will be taken according to the prevailing procedures, including criminal law, if applicable.

The policy also said the responsibilities of authorities, officials and heads of educational institutions in preventing bullying and ragging, emphasizing that no activity, gathering, or event that promotes bullying or ragging will be allowed.

In places where there is a risk of bullying and ragging, the authorities will install CCTV cameras for monitoring.

The authorities of educational institutions (including residential halls) will report incidents of bullying and ragging to higher authorities; otherwise, they will be held responsible for their inaction, said the policy.

It also said the authorities will disseminate examples and consequences of bullying and ragging through their website and posters displayed on institution premises to raise awareness.

At the beginning of the academic year, authorities will observe an “anti-bullying and ragging day” to raise awareness among students about the consequences of bullying and ragging.

The policy also mentions that students, teachers and parents will have to take an oath. They will sign a pledge to never directly or indirectly engage in bullying or ragging, to report any instances of bullying or ragging they witness and to inform the authorities if necessary.

The authorities will organise co-curricular workshops featuring movies, cartoons, and TV series related to the consequences of bullying and ragging, as well as workshops on responsible online behaviour.

In an effort to prevent bullying and ragging, authorities will arrange for students to participate in extracurricular activities.

Teachers will use role play to help students understand the consequences of bullying and ragging and encourage them to come up with solutions to related problems on their own.

Considering the degree of bullying and ragging, criminal cases can be filed against the individuals involved with the incidents, it said.

The policy also said the teachers, managing committee members, and others will play a vital role in preventing bullying and ragging at the campuses.

According to the policy, hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing, punching, and spitting on others are included in the definition of physical bullying. Cyberbullying and ragging mean demeaning someone by writing or posting indecent content about them on social media.

Deliberately touching or attempting to touch one’s private parts, offensive signs and gestures, and forceful stripping of clothes are considered sexual bullying and ragging.