Children Become Victims of Bullying, Parents Don’t See It

Casal dels Infants – Bullying in schools remains a serious issue in Indonesia, and alarmingly, many parents are unaware that their children are among the victims. The Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, voiced this concern during the launch of a qualitative research report on children’s experiences in Tangerang, Banten.

“Many parents don’t even realize their children are being bullied,” Arifah stated.

Lack of Communication Is the Main Trigger

Arifah highlighted that the primary cause of this unawareness is the lack of meaningful interaction and open communication between parents and children. Without a safe and open dialogue, children are often reluctant to share their painful experiences at school.

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The Ministry of PPPA recorded approximately 2,500 cases of bullying from various regions in 2022. These incidents ranged from verbal and physical bullying to the increasingly common form of cyberbullying, fueled by technological advancement.

Three Reasons Why Parents Often Fail to Notice

Arifah outlined several key reasons why many parents fail to recognize that their child is being bullied:

• Lack of Open Communication: Parents are often too busy with work and have limited quality time with their children.
• Authoritarian Parenting Style: A harsh or controlling approach can make children feel uncomfortable or afraid to open up.
• Perceiving Bullying as “Just a Joke”: Some parents dismiss their child’s complaints as harmless teasing among peers.

Shared Responsibility: Parents, Schools, and Communities

To effectively address this issue, Arifah emphasized the need for collaboration among parents, schools, and the broader community. In particular, parents must foster a supportive environment where children feel safe to speak up. Moreover, listening with empathy and without judgment is essential.

Moreover, parents should be observant of behavioral changes such as withdrawal, declining academic performance, or unexplained physical injuries, potential signs of bullying.

Schools also need to implement clear, proactive systems to prevent and address bullying. “This responsibility doesn’t lie solely with schools, it belongs to all elements of society,” Arifah stressed.

Communication and Care Are the Keys

Bullying can leave deep, long-lasting scars on children. Therefore, strong communication, parental attentiveness, and a supportive environment are essential. These elements play a vital role in protecting the younger generation from the harmful effects of bullying.

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