Israel launches national effort to combat bullying
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In Israel, President Isaac Herzog announced a “national emergency” after reports indicated one in three children and teenagers experience bullying or social rejection. To address this, the Presidential National Forum Against Bullying and Harassment united professionals from government ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations, and the business sector in a nationwide campaign.
Herzog called on all Israelis to participate in the national effort, emphasizing the need to establish a clear boundary against bullying and violence.
The Forum, founded by Herzog, aims to improve responses to bullying and eradicate the issue by bringing together various sectors for the first time. The campaign, titled “Red Line,” seeks to shift societal norms by encouraging bystanders to intervene when they witness harassment or isolation, not to place responsibility on children to handle dangerous situations alone, but to empower them to support, share, and report incidents.
The initiative will reach children, teenagers, and parents through schools, social media, transportation, and public spaces. The Presidential Residence has also launched a website called “It’s On Us” to centralize relevant resources and support services, providing a single point of access for those affected by or witnessing bullying. The Forum hopes to foster a generation that understands that harming others is unacceptable, indifference is not an option, and seeking help is a sign of strength.
