Bullying is a weekly occurrence for about 21% of fifth- through 12th-graders in the general education institutions of Moldova while about 40% of pupils face it less often. The results of the survey presented on Thursday at a press conference at Infotag Agency by the Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Child and Family Welfare (APSCF) show this.      

The study found that cases of verbal, behavioral bullying outnumber physical bullying (54% to 46%).  Mean jokes on others were the most common, mentioned by 62% of respondents, followed by labeling (60%) and teasing (54%). In addition, three out of every 100 students reported experiencing online bullying at least once a month during the last school year.        

Sorina Petrica, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist from Romania, stressed that in addition to the necessary intervention to teach students to stand up to bullying themselves, separate programs for teachers are needed.     

"Programs are needed to stop opportunities for hierarchies to emerge - the 'good student' and the 'weak student,' the bad, naughty child," she outlined.        

"We are pleased to note that 84% of the students surveyed say the teaching staff raises and deals with bullying. This is a sign that we are making progress in combating this phenomenon. We are determined to continue our efforts, with the support of partners, to develop and implement needed anti-bullying programs," noted Rodica Braguta, head of the Department of Education and Research's legal department.