World Day of Bullying Prevention

Bullying isn’t new. One of the earliest recorded cases appears in ancient Greece, where philosophers like Socrates spoke against mistreatment among students.

In medieval Japan, samurai culture encouraged strict hierarchies, which sometimes led to extreme forms of hazing.

Even in 18th-century England, boarding schools were notorious for severe bullying, leading authors like Charles Dickens to write about it in works such as Nicholas Nickleby.

Some societies historically viewed dominance over others as a sign of leadership.

In ancient Sparta, children were encouraged to fight and belittle weaker peers to prove their worth.

In Viking culture, verbal insults were part of their competitive tradition, sometimes leading to violent outcomes. Over time, many of these behaviors evolved into what we now recognize as bullying.

In the 1800s, Massachusetts passed a law making schoolyard bullying punishable by public whipping.

Some early American schools also had designated “bully tables” where aggressive students were forced to sit alone during meals.

In modern times, some regions have experimented with restorative justice programs, where bullies must perform acts of kindness for their victims as part of their punishment.

Yes! Winston Churchill was bullied for his speech impediment. Nikola Tesla was tormented by classmates because of his obsessive habits.

Even Beethoven was ridiculed for his hearing problems as a child. These experiences shaped their determination and fueled their drive to succeed.

Some animals show bullying-like behavior! Dolphins form cliques and exclude weaker members.

Elephants, however, are known to protect bullied herd members, surrounding them in a protective circle.

Studies show that even birds, like crows, have been observed “teaming up” against aggressive members to maintain balance in their social groups.

Yes! Adolf Hitler was reportedly bullied as a child, which some historians believe fueled his later extreme behavior.

The harsh hazing rituals in European military academies also contributed to the culture of World War I soldiers, who sometimes bullied lower-ranking recruits.

Even the Salem Witch Trials had elements of social exclusion, where young girls accused outcasts of witchcraft to gain power.

In Sweden, a school replaced all their mirrors for a month to reduce self-consciousness and encourage students to focus on personality over appearance.

In Japan, a city launched a campaign where bullied students could “adopt” a stray dog, teaching them about companionship.

Meanwhile, in Iceland, schools introduced a “no homework” rule, believing that stress reduction could lower instances of bullying.

People often assume all bullies have high self-esteem. In reality, many struggle with insecurity and act out to cover their own weaknesses.

Research also debunks the idea that bullies are always “troubled” or come from bad homes—some are actually high achievers who use aggression as a way to maintain status.

In ancient China, students were encouraged to resolve disputes through poetry battles instead of physical fights.

Roman schools, however, allowed corporal punishment, and bullying by teachers was common.

In medieval Islamic schools, teachers promoted “fair duels,” where students debated in front of a judge to settle disputes instead of resorting to violence.

Strangely, some cultures have adapted controlled forms of “mock bullying” as team-building exercises.

The British Royal Navy historically used playful insults to build camaraderie.

In Finland, students participate in “role-reversal day,” where teachers act as bullies to show kids how it feels, sparking deep discussions.