Effective bullying prevention starts with open, ongoing conversations between parents and their children. Tatyana Butskaya, who serves as the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Family Protection, Paternity, Motherhood, and Childhood Issues, emphasized that spending quality time with children helps caregivers understand their experiences and concerns. Parents who prioritize communication can identify troubling patterns early and address them before they escalate into bullying, whether at school or online.
Her guidance centers on consistent, meaningful interactions. Rather than simply asking yes-or-no questions, parents are encouraged to engage in activities that foster trust and dialogue. For instance, visiting a cafe for a family weekend meal provides a natural setting to observe and discuss what each family member is experiencing. It is common to see individuals focused on devices, and in those moments the important thing is to set aside screens long enough to hear what children are saying and to ask thoughtful questions about their day, their friendships, and any worries they may be carrying. Alongside conversations, shared family activities can be powerful. Watching a movie together and then talking about the plot, characters, and decisions allows children to reflect on social dynamics and identify behaviors that constitute bullying or harassment. Reading books as a family can also be valuable; a parent reading aloud and discussing themes with a child is a recognized method for fostering empathy and understanding up to adolescence. This approach helps caregivers learn about their child’s personality, which evolves with age and circumstance, and it supports healthier coping strategies for peer interactions. When a family maintains a culture of open communication, prevention becomes more effective and child well-being improves overall.
November marks the International Day Against School Violence, Bullying, and Cyberbullying, a day observed annually to raise awareness about the harms faced by children and adolescents in educational settings. The observance, endorsed by UNESCO member states in 2019, reinforces the understanding that bullying and cyberbullying breach the rights of young people. It serves as a prompt for schools, families, and communities to reinforce protective measures, implement clear reporting processes, and cultivate inclusive environments where every student feels safe to learn. The recognition of these issues as rights violations underscores the urgency of proactive steps to prevent harm and support victims.
Looking at practical school policies, administrators and teachers can establish guidelines for device use that balance learning with safety. Clear rules about when and how phones may be used in the classroom help reduce opportunities for distraction and potential misuse. Schools benefit from programs that teach digital literacy, empathy, and respectful communication, alongside channels for reporting concerns confidentially. Parents can reinforce these lessons at home by modeling responsible technology use and by encouraging their children to seek help when they encounter harassment, whether in person or online. Family routines that include shared activities, open dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving create a supportive environment in which children feel heard, valued, and equipped to respond to bullying with confidence. This comprehensive approach supports mental health, resilience, and positive social skills that reduce the likelihood of harmful behavior taking root.
Ultimately, prevention hinges on relationships. When families invest time and attention, children feel secure enough to share experiences that might otherwise go unspoken. This early, ongoing engagement helps identify risks and implement constructive strategies before bullying escalates. Creating a culture of respect, accountability, and care within the home and school communities lays a foundation for safer classrooms and online spaces where young people can grow and thrive.
Note: This discussion reflects current understandings from child welfare experts and education authorities who advocate for proactive parenting practices, supportive school policies, and global awareness campaigns that highlight the impact of bullying on young lives. It emphasizes the role of families and institutions in safeguarding every child’s right to a safe, nurturing learning environment. [UNESCO, 2019; child welfare experts; educational authorities]