Bullying in schools is frequently dismissed as “children being children,” a view that allows the problem to grow unchecked. In Dimapur, teachers report a range of incidents, from teasing and name‑calling to humiliation, social exclusion and physical intimidation. Many children remain reluctant to speak out, fearing retaliation, embarrassment or being labeled a troublemaker.
The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) highlighted the issue in 2023, warning that students had sought transfers because of bullying and describing it as a grave concern with both short‑ and long‑term consequences. The board directed school heads to maintain robust Anti‑Bullying and Ragging Committees and adopt a zero‑tolerance approach.
Bullying can erode a child’s confidence, emotional well‑being, academic performance and willingness to attend school. The Central Board of Secondary Education recognises physical, verbal, social and cyber bullying as distinct forms of harmful behaviour. Cyberbullying can involve abusive messages, humiliating photographs or videos, online exclusion, rumours and attacks on a child’s reputation, and can follow a child into the home and reach an unlimited audience.
Punishing offenders after an incident is insufficient. Schools must develop systems that prevent bullying, detect it early and protect victims. Teachers need training to recognise changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fear and declining academic performance. Every school should have an accessible and confidential reporting mechanism, a functioning counsellor or trained welfare personnel, and clearly defined procedures for dealing with complaints. Nagaland’s School Safety and Security Guidelines, the Union Ministry of Education’s directives, the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ guidelines all provide a policy framework; implementation is the missing link.
Bullying should never be normalised as a rite of passage or brushed aside as harmless teasing. Where conduct involves threats, assault, harassment, sexual misconduct or other unlawful behaviour, it must be dealt with under the appropriate legal and child‑protection framework. A school must be a place where children learn without fear; the real test is whether the weakest, most vulnerable child feels safe enough to walk through its gates each morning. Bullying is a warning that demands an institutional response and authorities can no longer afford to ignore it.
