Hidden Wounds: Bullying in Indian Schools

When we think about schools, we all think of hundreds of children, diverse in color, shape, size, race, and ethnicity, walking through hallways; all bound together by school uniforms, adorned with the school's crest. These uniforms, while intended to foster a sense of equality, often fail to create genuine belonging within students, which can even cause dysphoria for many gender non-conforming ones, all bound by groupism, unrealistic standards, and so-called “popularity”. In today's day and age, wearing the same name on your back cannot overcome the stigma around simple differences. But this isn’t just about uniforms; it’s about belonging. 

Imagine being a teenager, in middle or high school, navigating an environment that is intended for learning and building skills, but which can also be toxic and deeply discriminatory. In many Indian schools, bullying is a major issue, particularly for those who are perceived as different, whether it be for how they look or what they like. If you don't conform to their norms, you're a target. If you don't express yourself like them, you're a target. If you are just a bit different, you are a target. This constant nagging extends beyond the student body and often includes the educators themselves, who sometimes spare no opportunity to hurl cutting remarks. All this adds up to a student's self-esteem crumbling, especially without a strong support system.

Consider the story of Rohan (name changed for anonymity), a student from Delhi, who shared his story. “Every day felt like a battle,” he recalled; and nothing less can be said about his experience. Teachers would make snide comments about his appearance and interests. During recess, instead of socializing with his peers, he would hide in the washroom, avoiding the torment. But this narrative is not just bound to him. In a 2018 survey by the Centre for Civil Society, over 40% of students in Indian schools reported bullying, primarily with perceived differences as the reason.

The impact of such an environment is profound within school communities. Students, who are here to learn and build friendships, end up excluding their peers. Educators, who are tasked with nurturing young minds, often contribute to the hostile atmosphere, leaving students like Rohan feeling isolated and hopeless. They claim the problem lies within the bullied students, suggesting they are unable to make friends. But have they ever considered the environment they've created?

Bullying in Indian schools is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention. Creating a safe and inclusive environment should be a priority, where every student, regardless of their differences, feels they belong. By working collaboratively with schools, students, and educators we should, and we can, mitigate this issue. Only then can we hope to nurture a generation that is empathetic, inclusive, and resilient; where all hidden wounds are healed.