Bullying has been recognised by The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child as a form of ‘mental violence’. This type of ‘mental violence’ can significantly affect children’s health, wellbeing, safety and security.
In the Commissioner’s work she listens to the views of children and young people, collaborates with them and represents their diverse voices in the public arena with a special focus on those who struggle to have their voices heard.
Through her conversations with children and young people it is obvious there are no easy solutions to bring about real change in the way communities respond to bullying. An effective framework should involve the collaboration of governments, organisations, schools, parents and importantly children and young people, who can work together to build best practices for responding to and preventing bullying.
This report incorporates the direct input of children and young people’s views and experiences of bullying and their suggestions to prevent and respond to it.