A teacher friend once recalled a moment when a school principal spoke about a group of students during a private course orientation. The principal mentioned that among the students there was a girl with epilepsy, another with an autism spectrum condition, and one who experienced severe outbreaks only occasionally. The principal pointed to what the teacher did have in abundance at that moment—awareness of what the class faced and the realities ahead—yet the teacher felt unprepared. Preparation had not been lacking in training; it was the weight of responsibility in handling such deeply sensitive situations that felt overwhelming. And that is how the situation unfolded.
The week carried heavy emotions for many. A video captured Izan, an 11-year-old, on his birthday, and classmates greeted him not with cheers but with insults, ridicule, and humiliation. The footage spread across media and social networks, leaving a sting that revealed something troubling about human behavior. What was seen in that moment showed the harshest sides of people, a reminder that cruelty can surface in plain sight.
A group of young people, still on the cusp of adulthood, appeared to take great pleasure in taunting and isolating him on what should have been a day of celebration. The behavior did not seem to be isolated to a single incident; it was a recurring pattern that had persisted over time. Questions arose about who could tolerate such treatment and why it went unchallenged. Was there a lack of role models at home, or a sense of belonging to a school tribe that overruled decency? In any case, the underlying issue could not be dismissed as mere childish mischief. It required real attention because it reflected larger problems that go beyond any one act of cruelty.
First and foremost, the seriousness of such incidents taking place inside schools cannot be ignored, and there must be mechanisms to detect and address the violence before it escalates. Some people may not recognize the signs amid the flood of daily information, but denial is not a solution. In some communities, administrators and teachers notice patterns of harassment, while political leaders sometimes overlook them. The weight of responsibility rests on schools to respond decisively. There are cases where concerns about harassment were known, but action stalled, and the consequences for the targeted student were lasting. Silence and inaction can drive a student away from the place that should feel like a refuge.
On another note, there are families who may struggle to see the impact of their children’s behavior. Adults must confront the reality that their children often reflect the attitudes and habits observed at home. When respect, kindness, and consideration are absent, the weak are crushed, and the consequences can be devastating. Harassment does not discriminate—matters of appearance, ethnicity, gender, or disability do not justify cruelty. It is a chilling reminder that people can be harmed simply by being themselves, and the harm can erode essential joys, like the simple hope of a day that starts with genuine warmth.
Another factor is the fear that some parents may carry, the worry about appearing ineffective or unable to protect their children in a world that feels unpredictable. Yet responsibility cannot be outsourced entirely. The responsibility to nurture empathy, to model respect, and to establish safe, inclusive spaces rests with families and institutions alike. When communities fail to intervene, the negative patterns deepen and the harm grows more complex to repair.
Despite the sadness, there is a thread of resilience. Reforms and conversations about ethics, democratic coexistence, and shared values have gained momentum in many places. Some voices argue that time spent on these topics is wasted, or that the focus should be elsewhere. Yet the experience of Izan and others like him underscores why such discussions matter. They are not mere rhetoric; they are calls to action to build environments where every student can learn without fear. The goal is to prevent the emergence of future tormentors and to protect all learners, ensuring that schools remain places of growth, not sites of humiliation.
In the end, the wellbeing of Izan and other students depends on collective vigilance. Schools must implement clear policies, consistent training, and supportive channels for reporting harassment. Parents and guardians should engage with educators to reinforce respectful behavior at home and in the community. Communities as a whole deserve systems that recognize harm early, respond with urgency, and sustain the courage to confront discomfort when it appears. Only through that united effort can young people grow into adults who value dignity, empathy, and the basic right to feel safe and respected every day.