Bullying prevention efforts should start in schools: VP Naseem

Vice President Faisal Naseem has urged the community to come together and work towards preventing bullying.

VP Naseem made the statement while speaking at a ceremony held in Muhyiddin School in Villimalé to launch a nationwide month-long anti-bullying campaign as part of the "Smile On" drive, on Sunday.

"Smile On" is a student-led campaign to promote positivity and spread kindness within the school community.

Speaking at the event, the Vice President urged community members to display and exercise the best possible behavior to prevent bullying. He added that the first step to tackling a social issue is to admit and acknowledge that there is a problem.

As such, VP Naseem expressed alarm over the level of bullying and child abuse in society.

Noting that senior students had initiated the "Smile On" campaign to prevent bullying, the Vice President expressed hope for the future and urged the community to come together and work towards preventing bullying.

The VP in his speech, called for a whole-of-society approach to tackle bullying.

The function also saw Vice President Naseem being presented with a plaque inscribed with a poem about bullying written by Aishath Alanya Ismail, the deputy captain of Kalaafaanu School.

The VP also unveiled a "pledge wall" as part of the campaign.

The Smile On campaign will be held from February 26 to March 23 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the local NGO, Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC).