A significant number of children and adolescents around the world face school violence and bullying including cyberbullying, which adversely affects their health, well-being and education. 

UNESCO Member States declared the first Thursday of November as the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, Including Cyberbullying, recognizing that school-related violence in all its forms is an infringement of children’s and adolescents’ rights to education and their health and well-being. It calls upon Member States, UN partners, other relevant international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations, individuals and other stakeholders to promote, celebrate and support the observance of this international day.

This day calls on learners, parents, members of education communities, education authorities and a range of sectors and partners, including the tech industry, to participate in preventing all forms of violence and fostering safe learning environments that are essential for the health, well-being and learning of children and youth. 

Commemorations in 2024

On 7 November this year, UNESCO puts learners and children at the forefront every day. Through the theme Protect, educate, empower: A call by learners for safe and Inclusive Schools, the 2024 commemoration recognizes the critical role of education in ending violence and the importance of learners’ perspectives in shaping educational policies and practices.

This year’s theme builds on global commitments and underscores the urgency of addressing violence in and through education and investing in cross-sectoral partnerships. By amplifying learners' perspectives and children’s voices, UNESCO calls on leaders to fulfill their commitments and promises to transform learning environments into safe and inclusive spaces where children can learn and thrive.

This year, commemorations coincide with the opening of the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children taking place in Bogotá, Colombia on 7-8 November. Through a series of events at the Conference, UNESCO and partners highlight the power of education to end violence and showcase good practice to address the root causes of violence and to link children to the support services that they need to thrive.

Source: UNESCO

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