Anti-bullying campaign to be run across all Indian schools in Oman

Muscat: All Indian schools in Oman will soon have anti-bullying initiatives to ensure their students are able to study in a safe atmosphere that is conducive for learning.

The programme is currently being trialled at Indian School Muscat, and Dr Baby Sam Saamuel, the Chairman of the Board of Indian Schools in the Sultanate of Oman, has said that this will soon be rolled out across all schools in the Sultanate.

‘We are planning to conduct extensive awareness sessions for children, staff and parents, to identify, prevent and report abuse in all is forms," he said. "We also have 'We Care', a school level initiative, currently active at ISM, aimed at tackling bullying within and outside schools. A similar platform that can aid in preventing abuse as well is being planned across all the Indian schools in the Sultanate."

The move comes after the board introduced 24-hour counselling initiatives for students and teachers to speak their minds and share any concerns they feel are troubling them.

“The Board of Directors have already implemented a unique outreach program throughout the Indian Schooling system in Oman,” said Saamuel. “Titled 'Here4u - Let's talk', the schools offer twenty-four seven counselling services, 365 days a year, for our staff and children, as a means to speak to a qualified counsellor any time of the day through a dedicated number.”