One in three children in Israel affected: Herzog declares 'state of emergency'

President Isaac Herzog has declared a national state of emergency in the fight against bullying and social rejection among children and youth, following data showing that one in three children in Israel experiences ostracism or social rejection. The National Forum for the Fight Against Bullying, under the auspices of the President's Residence, has for the first time brought together professionals from government ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations, and the business sector for a broad national initiative, including a public campaign under the message 'Bullying is a red line.'

President Isaac Herzog has declared a national state of emergency in the fight against bullying and social rejection among children and youth. The declaration comes in light of alarming data: one in three children and teenagers in Israel reports experiencing ostracism or social rejection, a third have been exposed to violence or bullying, and there has been a surge in the number of incidents handled by the National Headquarters for the Protection of Children Online. Ahead of the start of the school year, the National Forum for the Fight Against Bullying, under the auspices of the President's Residence, has for the first time brought together professionals from government ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations, and the business sector for a broad national initiative. The first phase is a public campaign under the message 'Bullying is a red line,' which will reach children, teenagers, and parents in schools, on social networks, in media outlets, on public transportation, and in shopping centers. The Director General of the President's Residence, Eyal Shviki, defined this as a 'civilian emergency call-up' and emphasized that responsibility lies with everyone. Partners in the forum include the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of National Security, local authorities, the National Parents' Leadership, the National Student and Youth Council, pre-military preparatory programs, youth movements, non-profit organizations, high-tech companies, and media entities. A dedicated website called 'It's On Us' has been established, centralizing all relevant resources.