Day against bullying

International day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying

7 November

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, and every day, UNESCO puts learners and children at the forefront. 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.

"Schools should be safe, inclusive and welcoming places for all students, conducive to learning and social bonding. This is by no means always the case, however: nearly one in three students are physically assaulted at least once during the school year."

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayDirector-General of UNESCO

Watch

This International day, learners call for safer and more inclusive schools, free from violence. Here's what they have to say

Videos

Safe to learn and thrive: ending violence in and through education
UNESCO
2024
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LGBTIQ+ youth: bullying and violence at school
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
UNESCO
2023
UNESCO
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Five essential pillars for promoting and protecting mental health and psychosocial well-being in schools and learning environments: a briefing note for national governments
United Nations Children's Fund
World Health Organization
UNESCO
2022
UNESCO
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How school systems can improve health and well-being: topic brief: mental health
UNESCO
United Nations Children's Fund
World Health Organization
2023
UNESCO
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School violence: why gender matters and how to measure school-related gender-based violence
UNESCO
United Nations Girls' Education Initiative
2023
UNESCO
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Behind the numbers: ending school violence and bullying
UNESCO
2019
UNESCO
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The key role of teachers in ending school violence and bullying: technical brief
UNESCO
2022
UNESCO
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