Children
A viral rumor? No evidence of 35 children missing in 48 hours, police say
Since Saturday morning, a claim that “35 children have been reported missing in 48 hours” has been circulating widely on Facebook, causing panic among parents. However, police have dismissed the claim as a “baseless rumor.”
Adabor Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahbubur Rahman told UNB, “We have not received any such information.” Similar statements were made by Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nur Alam, who confirmed they have no information to support the claim.
Various Facebook groups have posted alarming messages, stating: “Breaking news, 35 children have gone missing in Dhaka and Chittagong in the last 48 hours.”
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Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operation) Khandaker Mohid Uddin reiterated that the DMP has no evidence of 35 children going missing within 48 hours. He noted that from May 4 to 6, 33 general diaries (GD) were filed regarding missing children. From June 4 to 6, 36 GDs were filed in 72 hours, and from July 4 to 6, 32 GDs were filed in the same period.
“The information being circulated on social media that ‘35 children went missing in 48 hours’ is not correct at all,” said the DMP additional commissioner.
He also reassured the public that most of the children reported missing are eventually found.
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How Play Helps Children's Development: A Comprehensive Guide to Benefits
Play is not just a fun pastime for kids; it is essential for their overall development. Through play, children explore the world around them, experiment with ideas, and build crucial skills that will set them up for success in life. This comprehensive guide delves into the multifaceted benefits of play for a child's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development.
Cognitive Development
Enhancing Creativity
Play stimulates a child's imagination, allowing them to explore new ideas and scenarios. Activities like building with blocks or creating stories foster creativity by encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking.
In this way, young children develop social skills, learn to express emotions, and build confidence. These experiences provide a safe space for experimenting and learning, laying the foundation for innovative thinking and cognitive growth throughout their lives.
Problem-Solving Skills
Through play, kids encounter challenges that require problem-solving. Engaging with puzzles, board games, and make-believe scenarios helps develop their critical thinking skills and ability to find solutions.
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These activities also teach patience, persistence, and adaptability. Additionally, play enhances memory and cognitive flexibility, allowing children to approach problems from various angles. This hands-on learning prepares them for real-life situations, fostering resilience and a proactive mindset.
Language Development
Engaging in play, especially with peers, encourages young children to communicate effectively. They learn new words, sentence structures, and conversational skills, enhancing their language abilities. Play also teaches kids to listen, share ideas, and negotiate, which are crucial for social interaction.
Through storytelling, role-playing, and collaborative games, a child can expand their vocabulary and understanding of language nuances, building a strong foundation for future communication and literacy skills.
Boosting Memory and Attention Span
Games that require concentration and recall, such as memory cards, help improve a child's memory and attention span. These activities challenge young children to remember patterns, sequences, or instructions, thereby enhancing their cognitive abilities.
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Engaging in such games, kids learn to focus for extended periods, sharpen their observation skills, and develop strategies for retention. This mental exercise supports academic learning and promotes effective learning habits and problem-solving skills.
Summer Tips for School-going Children
As the summer heatwave continues, the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration becomes a concern. Like adults, children can suffer from severe heat-related illnesses. Therefore, parents and caregivers should be cautious, especially for school-going children who stay outside the home for hours. Here are some essential summer tips to ensure the well-being of school-going children during the hot months.
How to Keep School-going Children Healthy During Summer Heat Waves
Stay Hydrated
Ensuring children stay hydrated is crucial during a heatwave. Parents and caregivers should encourage children to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, focusing on water as the primary source of hydration. It would be wise to avoid serving children sugary or caffeinated beverages that can contribute to dehydration.
While leaving for school, it is necessary to provide children water bottles and remind them to take regular sips, even if they are not feeling thirsty. Offer water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges as healthy snacks to help keep children hydrated.
Read more: How to Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat Stroke
Dress Appropriately
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can help children stay cool. It is highly recommended to opt for light-coloured clothes that reflect sunlight rather than dark colours that absorb heat.
Furthermore, while staying outdoors children can wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect their faces and eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
Seek Shade
Children might need to stay outdoors for diverse purposes, like waiting for a school bus. During such situations, children should be encouraged to seek shade or canopies to minimise direct exposure to the sun.
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Apply Sunscreen Liberally
Sunscreen application is another crucial aspect of sun protection. Like adults, children can use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. Before going to school or other places, kids need to apply sunscreens generously to their exposed skin, including the face, neck, arms, and legs. Nowadays many reputed brands produce child-friendly sunscreen products.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if children are swimming or sweating heavily. Parents and caregivers should teach children how to apply sunscreen properly and encourage them to build their sun protection routine.
Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely
While planning schedules for active outdoor games and sports during the warmer months, parents should pay attention to the matter that children stay safe from overheating or sunburn. However, when planning outdoor activities, it's essential to schedule them during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the peak heat hours.
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Caregivers should guide children to play in shaded areas, such as parks with plenty of trees, or bring portable shade structures like pop-up tents or sun umbrellas to prevent sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
While playing, sweat should be wiped off immediately. Additionally, encouraging regular play breaks in shaded areas allows children to rest and hydrate. It is essential to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Stay Indoors During Peak Heat
During extreme heat, it is best to stay indoors in air-conditioned or well-ventilated spaces for children to avoid heat-related illnesses. It would be thoughtful for the parents and caregivers to plan indoor activities like board games, arts and crafts, or movie marathons to keep children entertained and safe from the heat.
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Educate About Heat-Related Illnesses
It is essential to teach children about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, etc.
Parents and caregivers should teach children to speak up if they are feeling unwell and remind them of the importance of seeking help from a trusted adult if they experience any symptoms of heat-related illness.
Use Cooling Strategies
Implementing cooling strategies like taking cool showers or baths, using fans or air conditioning, and applying cold compresses to the skin can help children beat the heat and stay comfortable indoors.
Read more: Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion
Parents and caregivers can freeze damp washcloths or water bottles and place them on pulse points like the wrists, neck, and temples to help lower the body temperature of the children. It can make their mind and body cool after returning home from school or outdoors during the heat waves.
Regular Baths
Bathing plays a vital role in maintaining cleanliness. It is important to avoid allowing children to drink or bathe in ice-cold water during hot weather. Instead, offer them water at room temperature or slightly cool.
When bathing, use water at a comfortable temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, to avoid shocking their system.
Read more: Heat Stroke: Symptoms, First Aid, and Prevention
Stay Connected
Staying connected with children, caregivers, and school staff during a heatwave is essential for assuring everyone's safety. Keep lines of communication open with children, caregivers, and school staff during summer.
Sharing information about heat safety tips and encouraging everyone to look out for each other helps create a supportive environment where everyone can stay cool, hydrated, and healthy during hot weather.
Thus, parents and caregivers can minimise the risk of heat-related illnesses in children at home, community space, school, playground, or other places.
Read more: Guidelines issued for primary schools reopening tomorrow amid heatwave
Bottom Lines
Implementing summer safety for school-going children during a heatwave is paramount to their well-being and health. Parents, caregivers, and school staff can help mitigate the risks associated with hot weather, by prioritising hydration, sun protection, appropriate clothing, and staying cool indoors during peak heat hours.
Educating children about heat-related illnesses and empowering them to recognise signs of distress is equally important. By working together and staying aware, the wellbeing and health safety of school children can be assured during the summer months.
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How to Protect Children from Electric Shocks
In a recent distressing incident in Cumilla, seven-year-old Abdullah encountered a life-threatening situation while playing, entangled with an unimaginable 11,000-volt transmission cable running through the building's gap. Such incidents can be prevented with caution.
Electrical shocks pose a significant threat to children, especially during playtime. The allure of exploring their surroundings may unknowingly lead them into situations with high electric shock risk. Let’s take a look at some tips to keep children safe from electric shocks in and outside home.
Tips to Protect Children from Electric Shocks
Cord Management
Kids can get electrocuted through exposed cords or overloaded electrical outlets. To ensure the safety of children, it is crucial to keep electrical cords out of their reach. At home and school, it is essential to bundle and clamp cords, use cord covers, or hide running cords behind furniture.
Additionally, it is essential never to overload outlets or power strips, as this practice poses a significant fire hazard.
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Appliance Safety
Ensuring the safety of children involves keeping appliances, particularly those that generate heat like irons, hair dryers, toasters, etc - out of their reach. To further minimise risks, it is essential to unplug these appliances when not in use.
This practice not only prevents potential accidents associated with heat-generating appliances but also promotes energy efficiency. It also eliminates the risk of accidents when the appliances are not actively in operation.
GFCIs Installation
For enhanced safety in areas prone to water exposure, such as kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, one may consider installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in the power outlets. GFCIs play a crucial role in preventing serious injuries or fatalities resulting from electric shocks.
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These devices swiftly cut off power if the system can detect a fault in the circuit, mitigating the risk of electric shock in potentially hazardous environments. Prioritising the installation of GFCIs underscores a proactive approach to electrical safety, safeguarding kids in home and school areas from the dangers associated with water and electricity interactions.
Secure Outdoor Wires
Prioritising the safety of outdoor spaces is imperative, especially concerning hanging wires outside homes or streets. To mitigate potential risks, it is crucial to ensure that all such wires are securely fastened to prevent accidental contact.
If there are hanging electric wires on open roads, near residential blocks, or schools, the children are at risk of getting electrocuted while playing. Therefore, to avoid any electrical accidents, parents, school management, and community members should inform the associated responsible authorities to take necessary measures.
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By eliminating the possibility of unintended contact with outdoor wires, individuals can contribute to creating safer residential areas.
10 Tasty Immunity Boosting Winter Soup Recipes for Children
The chilly weather of winter brings cold waves which can harm children. During the cold months, keeping children safe from flu, colds and other kinds of winter sickness becomes a struggle for their parents. One effective way to enhance a kid’s immune system is by treating it with nutritious homemade soups. Here are some tasty soup recipes that cater to your child's health needs.
10 Delicious Soups to Strengthen Kids' Immunity This Winter
Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar
Enjoy the nutritional benefits of Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, a blend of fresh broccoli, butter, cheddar, and milk. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, broccoli enhances immunity. The soup provides essential nutrients, including calcium, supporting bone health. To make this comforting bowl, gently sauté fresh broccoli florets in butter, adding a creamy mix of cheddar and milk until velvety smooth.
This velvety creation is both satisfying and nourishing, offering a wholesome strategy to fortify your child against winter ailments. Incorporating broccoli's goodness, it contributes vitamins A and C. Relish a warm bowl of this nutrient-packed soup, making it a delicious yet health-conscious choice.
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Hearty Chicken and Vegetable
Nourish your child with the wholesome goodness of the Chicken and Vegetable Soup. Packed with essential nutrients, this recipe combines protein-rich chicken with an array of nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions in a hearty broth. To prepare, gently simmer the chicken with the vibrant vegetable mix until it reaches perfection.
The dish is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. These vitamins contribute to a strengthened immune system. Additionally, the soup provides essential minerals like iron, supporting the body's metabolic processes and maintaining energy levels. This nutrient-dense soup is not only comforting on winter evenings but also serves as a robust defence against seasonal illnesses.
Spinach and Chicken Soup
Enjoy the nourishment of Spinach and Chicken Soup, a delicious mixture designed to enhance both taste and health. Combine spinach with chicken for a nutrient-rich infusion. Simmer these ingredients, allowing the flavours to merge into a comforting soup. Serve with lemon.
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Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is a rich source of iron from spinach, essential for maintaining healthy blood. Chicken contributes essential proteins necessary for the growth and immune function of children. Together, they create a fortifying concoction that delights the taste buds of youngsters and strengthens cold resistance too.
Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil
Savour the health benefits of Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil Soup, combining protein-packed lentils, carrots, and velvety coconut milk for a wholesome infusion. Simmer the ingredients to meld flavours seamlessly. Together, they create a nourishing symphony that boosts your child's immunity, ensuring good health in winter.
This creation acts as a strong defence against winter ailments, with essential proteins, vitamins B and C, and coconut milk adding a creamy texture rich in healthy fats. This nutrient-dense delicious soup provides nutrients, making it a health-conscious choice for your child.
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Tomato and Basil Delight
Savour the health benefits of Tomato and Basil Delight Soup, a nutritious fusion designed to boost immunity. Simply combine tomatoes with aromatic basil, simmering until the flavours mix seamlessly.
This soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing essential vitamins such as vitamin C from tomatoes. Basil contributes additional vitamins, including vitamin K, essential for bone health. Together, they create a nourishing concoction that supports your child's immune system with every serving.
10 Tasty Drinks to Boost Kids' Immunity This Winter
As winter rolls in, it brings cold waves and fog. In chilly weather, kids may catch cold and fall ill more frequently. However, there are some secret weapons to combat these seasonal maladies: immunity-boosting winter drinks! Discovering tasty and healthy options to fortify children's immunity can make winter an enjoyable journey. Let's explore palatable winter drinks that not only tantalise the taste buds of children but also serve as shields against sickness during the cold months.
10 Delicious Immunity-Booster Winter Drinks for Children
Turmeric Milk
Turmeric milk is known for its medicinal properties. This drink blends the beneficial properties of turmeric and warm milk. To prepare, heat a cup of milk first. Then add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, and a dash of honey to the milk. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes, then strain before consumption.
This golden elixir boasts curcumin which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consuming turmeric milk helps bolster the immune system, aiding in the prevention of winter ailments like colds and flu. Its natural healing properties provide relief from sore throats, coughs, and other seasonal maladies.
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Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup, a wholesome blend, incorporates an array of vegetables like carrots, spinach, tomatoes, and onions. Simmer these veggies in a broth, then season with some herbs and spices. This nutritious soup is filled with a plethora of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fortifying kids' natural immune systems and aiding in preventing colds and flu.
The warmth, nourishment, and hydration provided by this soup make it an appealing and immunity-boosting choice to keep kids healthy while relishing an appetizing meal.
Orange Carrot Juice
A vibrant and refreshing drink, orange carrot juice is a burst of immunity-boosting nutrients. Combine equal parts of carrot and orange juices for a rich blend of vitamin C and beta-carotene. These ingredients can fortify the immune system, essential in shielding kids from winter ailments.
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The juice's high vitamin content bolsters immunity, warding off cold and flu during colder months. The antioxidants in this juice act as a defence mechanism, aiding in preventing illnesses, while its delicious taste makes it kid-friendly.
Pumpkin Seed Milk
Pumpkin seed milk is another delightful way to keep winter ailments at bay for the little ones. This remedy involves blending soaked pumpkin seeds with water and straining the mixture. Rich in zinc, antioxidants, and omega-3s, it safeguards kids against winter sickness.
This nutritious vegan delight acts as a shield against seasonal ailments by fortifying the body's defence mechanisms. Its high zinc content aids in immune response, while antioxidants combat free radicals. Providing a wealth of nutrients, including magnesium and vitamin E, pumpkin seed milk contributes to overall health, offering an extra layer of winter protection.
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Fruit Smoothies
Organic fruits are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Preparing smoothies involves blending a variety of fruits such as berries, bananas, and oranges, with a splash of yoghurt or milk. Each sip is a celebration of the body's strength.
The fruit medley provides a powerhouse of vitamins C and E, crucial for fortifying their defences and warding off colds. Its richness in antioxidants aids in fighting off infections, ensuring a tasty and convenient way for kids to stay healthier during colder months.
Parenting a Teenager? 10 Tips to be Their Best Friend
In today's world, parents often face a significant dilemma when raising a teenager. During this stage of life, the teens strive for independence while still requiring guidance and support from their parents. Striking the right balance between being a parent and being a friend to an adolescent child is quite challenging. Let’s take a look at some effective tips for parents to establish a strong, supportive, and amicable relationship with their teenage children.
10 Tips for Parents to Form Friendship with Their Adolescent Children
Open Communication
Strong parent-teen bond hinges on effective communication. Parents should endeavour to foster open, non-judgemental dialogues with their teenage sons and daughters. It creates a safe space for them to freely express their thoughts and emotions. It is essential to bear in mind that actively listening, rather than merely hearing, conveys a genuine interest in their perspective.
Allowing them the freedom to convey their feelings and ideas, even in cases of disagreement, nurtures trust. Trust, nurtured through open, non-judgemental conversations, forms the foundation of a healthy, enduring relationship with adolescents.
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Respect Their Independence
Adolescents strongly desire independence. Granting freedom at a certain level enables them to learn from both their triumphs and missteps, fostering personal growth. Trusting their judgement, even when it may seem risky, demonstrates faith in their abilities and boosts their self-esteem.
However, maintaining a guiding presence is equally important, stepping in when necessary to provide advice and support. Striking this balance of trust and guidance empowers teenagers to become responsible, self-reliant individuals. It also shows that they can turn to parents when needed.
Shared Interests
Discovering shared hobbies or interests is a powerful way to nurture parent-teen friendships. These mutual activities can be anything, from participating in a sport to pursuing a shared hobby or even jointly binge-watching a TV show.
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Engaging in such activities forges a unique bond that transcends the conventional parent-child dynamic. It connects on a personal level and promotes not just enjoyable moments but also meaningful conversations. Sharing interests deepens the connection, rendering the relationship more enjoyable.
The Importance of Instilling Leadership Skills in Your Child
In a constantly evolving world, where challenges and opportunities abound, preparing your child for success means more than just academics. It's about equipping them with the skills and qualities that will distinguish them as confident and capable individuals, and leadership stands out as one of the most crucial qualities we can instill in them.
Leadership isn't merely about holding a position of authority; it's about inspiring, guiding, and positively influencing others. As parents, we naturally aspire for our children to excel in their skill development. Picture your child growing up with the ability to communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and make sound decisions. These skills extend beyond the classroom, helping them excel in academics, extracurricular activities, and social life.
As your child enters their teenage years, they are poised for personal growth and self-discovery. This is when they should be encouraged to question assumptions, take risks, and experiment, all crucial skills for innovative leadership. During this phase, it's essential to encourage them to channel their learning into real-world change through community service projects. This transformative experience molds them into capable individuals ready to drive positive societal change.
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Leadership skills go far beyond career aspirations — they shape well-rounded individuals who thrive in various aspects of life. Instilling leadership skills in your child matters because it nurtures their self-confidence, encouraging them to speak up, share their ideas, and take initiative. These skills empower them to tackle challenges creatively and with resilience, developing problem-solving abilities to serve them throughout life. Effective communication is another vital aspect, allowing them to express themselves clearly and listen empathetically while fostering stronger connections with others.
Commencing this journey early is pivotal for developing strong leadership skills, emphasizing values like ownership, teamwork, community service, and active citizenship. In today's tech-driven world, BYLC’s Building Bridges through Leadership Training Junior (BBLTJ) and Building Bridges through Leadership Training (BBLT) programs sensitize younger minds to the power of human connection, empathy, and making a difference. They plant the seeds of leadership at a young age, ensuring your child grows up with a profound sense of purpose and responsibility.
In our ever-evolving world, adaptability is vital; leadership skills help your child embrace change and guide others through it. At the heart of great leadership lies empathy, making your child more compassionate and inclusive. Lastly, leadership instills the initiative to create opportunities rather than passively waiting for them, setting your child on a path of continuous growth and personal development.
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Leadership skills are the foundation of a successful and fulfilling life. Investing in your child's leadership development yields lifelong rewards. The programs of BYLC provide the tools, experiences, and inspiration necessary to shape your child into a leader who excels academically and professionally while positively impacting their community and the world. So, take that step forward and enroll your child in a leadership program today because nurturing tomorrow's leaders begins with your actions.
Engagement of children to combat climate change is essential: Speakers
Children’s engagement to combat climate change is essential, said speakers at a discussion on Monday.
ActionAid Bangladesh organised the event titled "Climate Crisis and its Impact on Children," aimed at empowering children to take a stand against climate change and its devastating impact on Bangladesh and the world.
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The event was held at Bangladesh Mahila Samity's Dr Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium at New Bailey Road in the capital, according to a press release.
"We want our children to live in a sustainable and livable environment by 2041. Making this possible is the responsibility of the government and our citizens," said Anisur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Dhaka.
"Our world is facing an unprecedented climate crisis. The responsibility to address it falls on all of us. However, it is the children who will inherit the consequences of our actions or inaction. Therefore, their engagement is not just important; it is absolutely essential," he added.
"Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with Bangladesh being one of the most vulnerable nations. Approximately one in three children in Bangladesh—nearly 20 million children—are affected by extreme weather events, floods, river erosion, sea-level rise, and other environmental crises linked to climate change. ActionAid Bangladesh believes that engaging children in the fight for climate justice is vital to creating a sustainable and resilient future," said Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh.
Death toll from dengue rises to 741 with 11 more deaths"The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue; it is stealing children's futures, forcing them into labour, and robbing them of homes, education, and health. We must work together to bring climate justice for our children," said Dr Aparup Chowdhury, former secretary.
A survey finding with responses from 300 children from eight districts was also unveiled at the event to present how climate change affects them. The survey was conducted by ActionAid Bangladesh in Satkhira, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Sunamganj, Patuakhai, Kurigram, Bandarban, and Chattogram, said the release.
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According to the survey, due to climate change, the education of 123 children was hampered. Sixty children said they experience salinity in the water in their locality, while 58 respondents said climate change hampers cultivation activities. Fifty-three children stated they were impacted in many ways by calamities in the last three years, while four children said they faced health issues like allergies and respiratory problems. Two children said their families lost their house due to a climate-induced disaster, it also said.
Arijit Chowdhury, former additional secretary, Ministry of Finance; Rumana Yasmin Ferdausi, deputy secretary, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, Ministry of Law and Rabeya Khandkar, additional director, Sustainable Finance Department, Bangladesh Bank, spoe at the discussion, among others.
Bullying in School: How to Protect Children and Deal with the Issue
Bullying is a pervasive problem in schools. Bullying can occur in various forms, such as verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying. It involves repetitive aggressive behaviour aimed at causing harm, discomfort, or distress to another person. Bullying can have serious consequences. It can affect the victim's mental health, academic performance, social relationships, and self-esteem. Parents and caregivers must be aware of the signs of bullying, understand its effects, and take proactive measures against bullying in school to protect and support children.
Common Reasons behind Bullying
Insecurity
Insecurity frequently drives bullying, as individuals project their self-doubt onto others. By belittling or hurting others, they seek a fleeting sense of power and superiority to mask their insecurities. Through this, they gain a false sense of control and confidence.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure often fuels bullying behaviours as individuals succumb to the need for acceptance within their social group. In an attempt to fit in or assert dominance, they engage in hurtful actions to mirror their peers' behaviour. Eventually, it perpetuates a cycle of bullying.
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Lack of Empathy
Bullying frequently arises due to an absence of empathy, wherein individuals ignore the emotions of others. Their inability to understand or care about the impact of their actions leads to cruel behaviour. They prioritise their desires or amusement over the well-being of their peers.