A Parent's Guide to Bullying & Inclusion

Research with UAE schools found that bullying is often under-reported — many children never tell an adult. Families are the first safe place to notice, listen and act together with the school.

What the research found

In a survey of 723 students in grades 6–8 in Al Ain, 37% had been bullied at school. (BMC Public Health, 2024)
Bullied students were about twice as likely to tell a parent (44%) as to have a teacher know about it (23%) — families are often the first to hear. (BMC Public Health, 2024)
Bullying was linked to sadness, learning difficulties and missing school. (BMC Public Health, 2024)

Signs to notice

Not wanting to go to school, or sudden complaints of headaches or stomach aches.
Changes in mood, sleep, appetite or friendships.
Lost or damaged belongings, or becoming upset after using a phone or tablet.

How to talk about it

Choose a calm moment. Ask open questions: “Who did you sit with today?”
Listen first. Thank your child for telling you and say clearly it is not their fault.
Avoid telling them to fight back or to simply ignore it.

Working with the school

Write down what happened, when and who was involved — keep screenshots for online incidents.
Contact the class teacher or the school's designated safeguarding officer and ask about the school's anti-bullying policy.
Agree a follow-up date and keep checking in with your child.

Raising an inclusive child

Talk about differences — ability, nationality, language, appearance — with respect and curiosity.
Praise kindness, such as including a classmate who is alone.
Model respectful language at home and online.

Need urgent help?

If a child is in danger, contact the school's designated safeguarding officer or call Police 999 · Child Protection Centre 116111.

Based on research by Dr. Alfan Alketbi

Bullying victimization in schools in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study — BMC Public Health, 2024
Development of a comprehensive school anti-bullying logic model in Abu Dhabi — Frontiers in Public Health, 2025
Bullying in private schools in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study — Population Medicine, 2023