25 signatures reached
To: Stakehoders; Policymakers; Educational authorities; NEETs; Educators
Say NO to Bullying!
The current situation calls for immediate attention and intervention due to the alarming prevalence of bullying among NEET youth across our partner countries. EUROSTAT's data highlights that the share of NEETs in these countries surpasses the European average, indicating a critical need for targeted interventions to address this issue effectively. NEET young people are confronted with various challenges, including low educational attainment, poverty, and negative behavioral patterns perpetuated by intergenerational poverty. These factors contribute to a lack of motivation to change their circumstances, exacerbating their vulnerability.
Furthermore, the rise of online bullying has amplified the risks faced by young people, particularly those who are socially excluded, undereducated, or have physical disabilities. NEET youth, deprived of regular activities such as work and study, spend more time in cyberspace, making them more susceptible to harassment, trafficking, and sexual exploitation. The consequences of online bullying often extend beyond the digital realm, manifesting as real-life aggression and abuse.
Why is this important?
We appreciate your attention to our petition for support in reducing bullying among NEET young people. We would like to take a moment to share our personal stories and explain why this cause is of utmost importance to us.
Each organization within our consortium has been actively involved in addressing youth unemployment and its consequences, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by NEET youth in our respective countries. We have seen how a lack of education, limited opportunities, and intergenerational poverty contribute to a cycle of hopelessness and disempowerment among these young individuals.
Through our work, we have also come to understand the devastating impact of bullying on the lives of NEET youth. Bullying robs them of their self-esteem, exacerbates their feelings of isolation, and hampers their ability to break free from the chains of unemployment and poverty. We have seen promising young individuals lose their motivation, dreams, and aspirations due to the relentless torment they face from their peers, both online and offline.
As passionate advocates for youth empowerment and social justice, we firmly believe that every young person deserves a safe and nurturing environment to grow, learn, and thrive. No young person should be subjected to bullying, which not only hinders their personal growth but also affects their mental and emotional well-being. It is our duty to ensure that NEET youth are protected from the devastating consequences of bullying and given the support they need to overcome these challenges.
By equipping adult educators, trainers, social workers, and other professionals in the helping professions with the tools and knowledge to address bullying, we can create a network of support that reaches the most vulnerable youth. We envision a future where these professionals are equipped to recognize the signs of bullying, intervene effectively, and provide the necessary guidance and resources to empower both bullies and victims. Through targeted interventions and educational initiatives, we can change the behavior patterns of bullies, create a culture of empathy and respect, and activate passive witnesses to stand up against bullying.
We firmly believe that investing in the well-being and empowerment of NEET youth is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic decision for society as a whole. By reducing bullying and its detrimental effects, we can help NEET youth regain their self-confidence, develop essential life skills, and reintegrate into education, training, and employment opportunities. This, in turn, contributes to the overall well-being of our communities, fosters social cohesion, and strengthens our economies.
Therefore, we humbly urge you to support our petition and join us in our commitment to reducing bullying among NEET young people. Together, we can create a Europe where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, irrespective of their circumstances.