Mobilization From Three Ministries: One In Every 7 Children Experiences Peer Bullying
MEB, Health And Ashb Joint Program: Peer Bullying Combating Programs Reached 6.3 Million Students In 2025
ANKARA, Turkey – Following research showing that 13.8 percent of children nationwide experience peer bullying, the Ministries of Family and Social Services (ASHB), National Education (MEB), and Health launched a joint, comprehensive mobilization throughout 2025. The Peer Bullying Combating Programs, executed against the backdrop of rising cyberbullying threats, aim to establish a strong protective network ranging from education to psychosocial support.
📝 Section 1: The Scope Of Bullying And Digital Diversification
Peer bullying directly affects children’s social, emotional, and academic development, standing out as one of the most frequently encountered child protection issues in Turkey.
- Statistical Data: Studies conducted in 2022 showed that 13.8 percent of children (approximately one in every seven) experience peer bullying at least once a month. This rate was measured at 14.2 percent for girls and 13.4 percent for boys.
- Digitalization Impact: In addition to physical and verbal bullying, cyberbullying has become widespread as digitalization accelerates. This situation necessitated that the ministries shift their combat strategies to include digital platforms.
🏫 Section 2: The Education Front And Guidance Initiative (Meb)
The Ministry of National Education (MEB) became the primary institution carrying out the widest scope of protective and preventative work in schools via its guidance and psychological counseling services.
- Record Training Numbers: During the 2024–2025 school year, a total of 6.393 million students and 60,605 teachers received training on combating peer bullying and violence. Furthermore, 338,590 parents also participated in informational programs.
- Content: The programs focus on socio-emotional skills, including self-awareness, anger management, coping with violence, empathy, and healthy communication.
- Special Publications: MEB distributed specialized storybooks (“The Twins’ Story”) for primary school children for cyberbullying awareness and published guides and brochures for teachers and parents. [INTERNAL LINK: Details Of The Directive On Preventing Violence In Schools]
🩺 Section 3: Health And Digital Psychosocial Support
Ministry of Family and Social Services (ASHB)
ASHB provides support through digital means and in collaboration with UNICEF.
- Mobile Application: The Ministry’s mobile application for parents, “My First Teacher is My Family,” reached over 1.025 million users. The app offers comprehensive content on the types of bullying and solutions.
- UNICEF Program: The program developed in collaboration with UNICEF consists of 8 group sessions targeting 6–18-year-olds. This program aims both to raise awareness among children and to strengthen parents’ coping skills regarding bullying.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health provides services at the clinical level.
- Clinical Applications: In the first nine months of 2025, 5,023 individuals applied to Healthy Life Centers due to peer bullying. The total number of counseling services reached 14,326. Consequently, this confirms the severe need for clinical intervention.
📉 Section 4: Continuity Of The Fight And Visibility
The increasing number of news reports on the issue and applications to the Presidential Communication Center (CİMER) indicate that the problem has become more visible. However, analyses show that 70 percent of incidents occur outside of school grounds.
Experts emphasize that Peer Bullying Combating Programs must be long-term efforts. Strengthening cooperation among family, school, and government institutions, expanding early intervention models, and increasing child participation are fundamental to tackling this multifaceted issue.
