Bullying is not "teasing". It is repeated behaviour that hurts a child and takes away their sense of safety at school.
How common is it?
According to UNESCO data, one in three students worldwide reports being bullied in the previous month. Cyberbullying affects 10 per cent of children[1].
Signs worth noticing
- Your child doesn't want to go to school, or often says they feel unwell.
- Their mood changes, they withdraw or avoid friends.
- They come home with lost or damaged belongings.
These signs don't always mean bullying, but they are a reason for a calm conversation.
What you can do
- Listen without blaming. Tell them it is not their fault.
- Write down what happened, when, and who was there.
- Talk to the teacher and the head teacher.
Where to get help in Greece
- stop-bullying.gov.gr: parents of primary and secondary students, and secondary students themselves, can file a report. The platform asks for your details, so it is not anonymous[2].
- 1056: the national SOS helpline for children, run by «The Smile of the Child»[3].
- If there is immediate danger, call 112.
WHO stresses that supportive environments in the family, at school and in the wider community are important for adolescent mental health[4].
Read also: Teen mental health · Safety & privacy