A/RES/71/176
Protecting children from bullying
Recognizing that bullying, including cyberbullying, can take both direct and
indirect forms, from acts of violence and aggression to social exclusion, and that,
although rates differ from country to country, bullying, online or in person, can have
a negative impact on the rights of the child and is among children’s main concerns,
affecting a high percentage of children and compromising their health, emotional
well-being and academic work, and acknowledging the need to prevent and
eliminate bullying among children,
Recognizing also the importance of generating appropriate statistical
information on bullying,
Concerned about the occurrence of bullying in different parts of the world and
the fact that children who are victimized by such practices may be at heightened risk
for a wide range of emotional problems, as well as potential long -term effects on the
individual’s ability to realize his or her own potential,
Concerned also that bullying is associated with long-lasting consequences that
continue on into adulthood,
Noting with concern that children who are marginalized or vulnerable, who
face stigmatization, discrimination or exclusion, are disproportionately affected by
bullying, both in person and online,
Recognizing that bullying often includes a gender dimension and is associated
with gender-based violence and stereotyping that negatively affects both boys and
girls,
Noting the risks associated with the misuse of new information and
communications technologies and applications, including increased vulnerability to
bullying, while stressing that they can create new ways to enhance education and,
inter alia, learn and teach about the rights of the child and can be useful tools to
promote children’s protection,
Noting also the role that information and communications technologies play in
reducing the risk of sexual abuse and exploitation, including by empowering
children to report such abuses,
Acknowledging the obligations and commitments of States to take all
appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect
the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or
negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, and, as
appropriate, the implementation of educational measures to address behavioural
practices that condone such violence,
Acknowledging also that the environments surrounding children can affect
their behaviour and the important roles that parents, legal guardians, family
members, schools, civil society, communities, State institutions and the media have
in securing children’s protection from the risks associated with bullying and in
preventing all forms of violence against children,
Stressing that children should grow up in a family environment and in an
atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding, given the important role that
family plays in this regard, and acknowledging that parents or, as the case may be,
legal guardians, have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development
of the child,
Recognizing that evidence-based initiatives to strengthen children’s life skills
and respect for human rights, tolerance, concern for others and the responsibility to
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