Police investigation launched into Sharjah school bus bullying incident

Footage of a young child being attacked on a bus has been widely shared online

Pupils will start the academic year on September 2 after a public holiday for the Islamic New Year was called. Satish Kumar / The National

Police in Sharjah have launched an investigation after disturbing footage emerged of a young boy being bullied on a school bus in the emirate.

The distressing video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the child cowering as he is slapped, pushed, grabbed by the neck and threatened by fellow pupils.

A number of other children crowded around the tearful boy during the 90-second recording made by another pupil on the bus.

It is not known when the recording was made or what school the children attend.

Police said they were taking action against the culprits and had summoned their parents for questioning.

The Sharjah force is working with the school involved and education authorities to investigate the matter.

In a statement, Sharjah Police emphasised the need for parents, teachers and the general public to stand together to combat bullying.

“Every individual has a social responsibility to deal with any bullying cases, intervene to stop it, stand with the victim or even inform the authorities if necessary,” the statement said.

Police and education chiefs urged people not to share the footage online.

The Ministry of Education said it was looking into the incident closely and warned members of the public not to post the footage on social media platforms.

“Distressing footage of a boy being attacked by a number of his colleagues on a school bus has been widely shared and we urge the public to refrain from reposting the video or risk facing legal action,” said the ministry in a post on its official Twitter account.

The ministry called on parents to play their part in tackling bullying by creating a safe and positive environment for their children.