Precisely the popular children - the surprising statistic on bullying in schools: "Improves popularity"
70% of non-physical aggression in classrooms comes from the most popular children, according to independent studies cited in an article marking the International Day Against Bullying. Organization directors describe the phenomenon and call for a change in teacher training.
An article in Maariv marking the International Day Against Violence and Bullying in Schools presents a surprising statistic: 70% of non-physical aggression in classrooms comes precisely from the most popular children, not from the social margins. Three organization directors – Yona Chona (Metzlichim Academy), Orit Raz (Kanfei Dror), and Avner Dafni (Rakefet) – describe the phenomenon and offer solutions. Chona explains that ostracism is a power struggle over social status, and that the perpetrators improve their popularity through exclusion and spreading rumors. Raz describes projects such as the 'social tour' at zoos and writing songs for affected children. Dafni notes that since the beginning of 2026, over 2,500 inquiries have been received by the organization, and emphasizes that 'the opposite of ostracism is belonging.' The article points to a lack of practical training for teachers and the absence of an institutional protocol for handling social harm.