Survey reveals 35pc upper primary students in HK fall victim to bullying

A recent survey has unveiled alarming statistics regarding school bullying among upper primary students, showing 35 percent of them having previously fallen victim to bullying, with a significant portion of them contemplating self-harm or suicide.

The findings came after the Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services interviewed over 270 students from Primary 5 and Primary 6, along with 130 parents and 120 teachers in July this year.

Results show that more than half of the students have witnessed bullying in their schools. Alarmingly, 70 percent of the parents reported their children being bullied more than once, with 15 percent indicating that their children face bullying on a daily basis.

Furthermore, 67 percent of teachers noted observing bullying behaviors during their regular teaching duties, and approximately 60 percent of them mentioned not having enough time to address the issues.

Commenting on the findings, the Council said when left unresolved, school bullying could potentially lead to criminal behavior.

The Council said it is planning to reach out to primary schools for them to join an anti-bullying alliance this month, pledging to address and eradicate bullying within school campuses.

Additionally, an "Anti-School Bullying Month" will be organized in November to further raise awareness and drive action against bullying, it added.