Egypt’s Ministry of Education has recently directed schools to dedicate a part in their daily radio broadcasts to raising awareness about the dangers of bullying. The initiative aims to emphasise that bullying is a criminal offence punishable by law and calls for continuous awareness efforts through school activities and educational programmes.
As part of this strategy, social workers and psychologists in schools have been instructed to organize awareness sessions for parents, educating them about the harmful effects of bullying on children and society. The sessions will also stress the legal consequences of such behaviour, reinforcing the role of families in promoting respect and tolerance among students.
In addition, the ministry’s Public Relations and Media Department has been tasked with launching awareness campaigns across social media platforms to highlight the dangers of bullying, its negative impact on individuals and society, and the strict legal penalties imposed on offenders.
This anti-bullying initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader plan to create a safe and supportive educational environment, the Ministry stated in a press statement. Members of the Parliamentary Education and Scientific Research Committee praised the ministry’s move to incorporate anti-bullying messages into school radio broadcasts. They believe the initiative will positively impact students and contribute to a more disciplined and respectful school culture. MP Hani Abaza described the move as a significant step in addressing the widespread issue of bullying, which affects both children and adults.
“Such initiative help instill good values in students, fostering a more respectful and well-mannered generation,” he said.
MP Saboura El Sayed also commended the initiative, stressing the need for a strong media role in raising awareness about bullying.
She acknowledged that while the initiative may not entirely eradicate bullying, it is expected to significantly reduce its prevalence in schools. MP Gehan El-Bayoumi highlighted the importance of school radio programmes, calling them an essential educational tool that enhances students’ personalities and skills. She noted that school radio fosters teamwork, instills ethical values, and contributes positively to efforts to curb bullying.
The Ministry of Education had previously collaborated with UNICEF and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood on the “I Am Against Bullying” campaign to tackle bullying in schools. Legally, amendments to the Penal Code, approved by Parliament in September, have offered a clear definition of bullying. Article 309 of the Penal Code defines bullying as any act of verbal abuse, physical intimidation, or exploitation of an individual’s perceived weaknesses, including gender, race, religion, physical attributes, health condition, or social status, with the intent to intimidate, ridicule, or socially exclude the victim.
In 2020, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi ratified Law No. 189, amending the Penal Code to impose stricter penalties on bullying offences. The law stipulates a minimum prison sentence of six months and fines ranging from LE 10,000 to LE 30,000, or both. With these combined efforts – legal reforms, school-based awareness programmes, and public campaigns – Egypt is taking firm steps toward eradicating bullying and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity in schools.
