FORTIS COUNSELLING SESSION

Date & Day: Tuesday, 13 May 2025 and Friday, 16 May 2025

Class : VI, VII, VIII and IX

Venue : School Auditorium

Topic : Bully to Buddy

An insightful session on bullying was conducted by Ms. Anusha Tyagi and Mr. Vaibhav Saxena , Consultants in Expressive Arts-Based Therapy and Counselling Psychologists from the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare. The session, titled “Bully to Buddy”, aimed to help students understand the harmful effects of bullying, identify its various forms, and learn constructive ways to respond. The experts emphasized transforming bullies into buddies and fostering an inclusive, supportive school environment.

The session began with a clear definition of bullying, described as intentional aggressive behavior targeted at someone perceived to be weaker or different. The experts emphasized that bullying includes physical acts like hitting or pushing, as well as verbal abuse such as name-calling, teasing, and spreading rumors. Cyberbullying, which occurs on digital platforms, was also discussed, highlighting the increasing issue of online harassment.

Ms. Tyagi and Mr. Vaibhav discussed why bullying occurs, explaining that bullies often act out due to personal insecurities, past experiences of being bullied, or a lack of empathy. They stressed that bullying is not limited to specific individuals or groups and can affect anyone, regardless of gender or social status. The experts made it clear that bullying is never acceptable, as it can lead to serious emotional and psychological consequences for both the victim and the bully. The session aimed to help students recognize bullying in different forms and understand the harm it can cause, empowering them to act against it.

One of the session's key activities was “Letter to a Bully”, where students wrote letters expressing their feelings towards those who either bullied them or imagined a situation. This exercise encouraged self- reflection and helped students constructively process their emotions. The activity also aimed to foster empathy and turn negative situations into opportunities for positive change. Additionally, the experts introduced the idea of forming an Anti-Bullying Squad, encouraging students to take an active role in addressing bullying within their school by supporting victims, promoting kindness, and fostering a safe school environment. This squad would act as a proactive group to prevent bullying and ensure that every student feels respected and valued.

The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where students shared their thoughts on how to stop bullying and how to handle bullies. The resource persons emphasized the importance of talking to trusted adults, such as parents and teachers, and reporting bullying incidents immediately. Students were encouraged to be proactive and work together to create a safer, more inclusive school community where kindness and respect prevail.