A Teacher's Guide to Prevention & Early Response

Stakeholders in Abu Dhabi called for clearer policies and stronger support systems. A whole-school, public-health approach — prevention for everyone, early help for some, and focused support for a few — works best when every adult responds consistently.

What the research found

Most bullying happened in the classroom itself — 80% of incidents in private schools and 65% in public schools. (BMC Public Health, 2024)
Only 23% of bullied students said a teacher was aware of what happened. (BMC Public Health, 2024)
Policy makers interviewed for the national strategy pointed to weak coordination and the lack of a clear reporting mechanism as key gaps. (International Journal of Bullying Prevention, 2025)
Abu Dhabi stakeholders identified under-reporting, unclear policies and limited support as the main themes to address. (Frontiers in Public Health, 2025)

Build a respectful classroom

Agree class values with students and refer to them often.
Plan seating and group work so no student is left out.
Teach what bullying is: repeated, intentional and involving a power imbalance — online or offline.

Make reporting easy

Offer several ways to tell: a trusted adult, a private note, a reporting box.
Respond to every report, even small ones, so students learn that telling works.

When you see or hear of bullying

Stop it calmly and immediately. Make sure everyone is safe.
Speak with the students separately, record the facts and follow the school's policy.
Inform the designated safeguarding officer and follow up with everyone involved — including bystanders.

Protect students who are more at risk

Watch closely for students with disabilities, new arrivals and those who are isolated.
Pair them with peer buddies and check in regularly.

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
Anti-bullying efforts in the United Arab Emirates: policy makers’ perspectives — International Journal of Bullying Prevention, 2025
Mapping stakeholders of the National Bullying Prevention Strategy in Abu Dhabi with document analysis — Frontiers in Human Dynamics, 2026
School bullying prevention and intervention strategies in the UAE: a scoping review — Injury Prevention, 2024