By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
A Non-governmental Organisation, Child Protection Network (CPN), Kogi State Chapter, has called on the Media, NGOs, Networks and Donor agencies to take urgent steps toward addressing the growing menace of bullying among children and teenagers.
A statement made available to newsmen by Mr Simon Enejor, CPN Coordinator in Kogi, said the call is in line with this year’s theme of the 2025 International Children’s Day, “Stand Up, Speak Up – Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
The Coordinator said the theme seeks to spotlight the alarming rise in bullying, peer pressure, and emotional abuse affecting young people in schools and communities across Kogi State.
Enejor who is also of the Africa Youth Growth Foundation,
Kogi State Chapter, said many children suffer in silence and are either too afraid to speak up or unaware of how to seek help.
“We are witnessing a growing wave of emotional and psychological harm inflicted on our children. We must break the silence and work together to ensure that every child is safe, heard, and protected.
“CPN believes the Media is a vital force in shaping public opinion and empowering children to rise above fear, shame and silence.
“A single broadcast can change lives. Together, we can build a future where no child suffers in silence.
“The CPN Network is using this opportunity to call on organizations, NGOs, Networks and Donor agencies to prioritize activities for the benefit of children who our future is in their hands.
“We, the parents must be deliberate to correct the errors and the challenges we faced in our time as children.
“This is because, the destinies of several citizens were thwarted as a result of bullying in boarding houses, public schools, nonchalant attitude of teachers and parents to sensitive negative behaviors that were not controlled in the lives of our teenagers.
“We must create time for Media engagements, school outreaches, and storytelling sessions designed to educate, empower, and amplify children’s voices if do not want to regret the future.
“The network invites all partners, media, educators, and community leaders to stand in solidarity with children and build a bullying-free generation”, the CPN Coordinator added.
The Media, he said, could collaborate with CPN in providing airtime for children’s voices to be heard through interviews and talk shows,
Broadcasting public service messages that speak against bullying and youth violence.
He also advocated Media Coverage of other children’s activities and campaigns that promote mental well-being and child safety.
Enejor thanked the State Government and particularly, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for being supportive of the programmes and activities of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. (Ends)