How to solve the problem of school bullying

Readers discuss school bullying. Other topics: plastic bags and EgyptAir

Readers share solutions to the problem of bullying in the education sector. Ravindranath K / The National
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I am writing in regard to your report on bullying (Only half of children in Abu Dhabi feel safe at school, March 28). Bullying is defined as persistent verbal, physical and emotional abuse. This can take place in any school regardless of whether it is private or state run.

Often bullying is a bandwagon jumped on by others. What is the real issue here is children's inability to relate to each other and why this is taking place.

Many schools are addressing this problem through life skills programmes that educate children about bullying on social media.

My children are being brought up in a multicultural society and educated in culturally diverse schools where they mix with all kinds of children. Tolerance and understanding are the key.

As a parent you choose carefully where and what school to educate your child in. Like all parents, I want my children to thrive in a safe, secure, caring and above all happy environment. I am pleased to say they currently are. Parents have the ultimate responsibility to instil strong values in their children.

Adam Tesdale, Abu Dhabi

All schools in Abu Dhabi should be state run and all nationalities, whether British, Emirati, Sri Lankan, Filipino and Indian should be required to send their children to these schools.

This would result in better integration of nationalities within the workforce. Private schools are not helping to integrate society.

Paul Aldridge, Abu Dhabi

In the United States many schools have adopted a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and fighting. At the start of the school year, the child and parents attend a metting where this policy is explained. They sign a contract that they understand the consequences of bullying.

If a problem occurs during the school year with no bodily harm, the first incident results in a three-day suspension. If the problem happens again, the punishment is expulsion. Then they are forced to attend an alternative school for problem youth or online home school. While it might seem extreme, these types of initiatives achieve results.

John David Sef, United States

These statistics are alarming and worrisome. It is disturbing to read that every other child has suffered bullying in some form or another at school.

It is about time that something is done to prevent bullies from harassing and torturing other children.

It is best to target bullies and offer them counselling than to identify victims. This way the problem can be solved before getting any bigger.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Plastic bags are killing us

I am writing about your report on plastic bags (UAE environment minister queried on elusive plastic ban, March 29). The solution to the problem is simple, charge people one dirham per bag. In the US, a plastic bag can cost 5 cents (depending on the state).

To make the scheme really effective, the Government must make the price for plastic bags very high. It is the best way to dissuade people from using the harmful bags. Additionally, it would be a good idea to hand out free reusable bags for a week so that people can stock up.

It is all about rewarding behaviour that is helpful to the environment and deterring bad behaviour.

Claudia Gabriel, Dubai

Ban the bags, simple as that. I never use a plastic bag, even for the grocery shopping because I always take my own foldable bags with me. They weigh nothing and can fit in by the dozen even in your Dior or Chanel handbag.

I prefer to walk out with an item in my hand than have it put in a plastic bag. Just make it law, please. Plastic is killing so much, including camels who eat bags that have blown away into the desert.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

It wouldn't be so bad if we weren't given such an excess of bags. I have always found it striking that baggers will put a simple bottle of water inside of its own bag. I just refuse because it is a waste. People will start to be more responsible but only if they are pushed a little by a cost for the bag or a new law.

Sam Attfield, Abu Dhabi

Aviation is not Hollywood

I am writing about the EgyptAir flight (Distraught ex-husband arrested in Cyprus after hijacking EgyptAir plane, March 29). Did the hijacker honestly think he was going to get his ex-wife back after a stunt like this? This is not Hollywood!

Sabrina Hoehn , Abu Dhabi