Bullying is a pervasive issue affecting one in three learners worldwide every month, with one in 10 experiencing cyberbullying. This has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of children in schools and online spaces. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is urging governments, schools, parents, and technology companies to take action to protect learners from violence, including physical harassment, intimidation, and online abuse.
UNESCO marked the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, Including Cyberbullying, on November 5, with a call to strengthen measures to safeguard learners. The organization emphasized the need for teacher training, effective reporting mechanisms, and stronger digital safety measures. UNESCO warned that school-related violence in all its forms violates children's and adolescents' rights to education, negatively impacting their health, psychological well-being, and academic development.
This year's commemoration of the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, Including Cyberbullying, was held under the theme "Every learner safe and well: From promise to practice." The focus was on translating global commitments into practical measures that create safer and more inclusive learning environments. UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany stressed that protecting learners requires coordinated action across education systems, families, communities, and the technology industry.
El-Enany reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to ensuring that children can pursue their education without fear, emphasizing that every learner deserves to study, grow, and thrive in safety and dignity. The agency is advocating for a whole-school approach that integrates violence prevention with mental health support, teacher welfare, inclusion, and digital safety. This approach aims to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all learners.
UNESCO is urging education authorities to strengthen mechanisms through which learners can report abuse and ensure that schools are equipped to respond effectively when incidents occur. The organization is also calling for sustained investment and accountability to prevent and address bullying. By working together, UNESCO believes that it is possible to create safer and more inclusive learning environments that allow learners to thrive.
The 2026 observance of the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, Including Cyberbullying, marks the beginning of the second five-year cycle of the international day. This coincides with renewed global efforts to end violence against children. UNESCO will convene a policy dialogue for Member States at its headquarters in Paris to showcase initiatives supporting safe, inclusive, and health-promoting learning environments.
The campaign comes ahead of the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, scheduled for November 18-19 in Manila, Philippines. At this conference, governments and partners will review progress made since the 2024 Bogotá Ministerial Conference. UNESCO's efforts to address bullying and violence in schools are part of a broader commitment to promoting safe and inclusive learning environments for all learners.
Key points
- UNESCO calls for stronger school safeguards to protect learners from bullying and violence.
- One in three learners worldwide experiences bullying every month, with one in 10 experiencing cyberbullying.
- UNESCO advocates for a whole-school approach to prevent bullying and promote safe and inclusive learning environments.
