At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to children and adolescents, raising our voice against all forms of violence that threaten their well-being. Bullying, in all its forms, is a serious violation of the rights of children and young people, and we cannot and must not remain indifferent.
We work to provide safe and nurturing environments for the children and adolescents participating in our programs. We firmly believe that every child deserves to grow up in an environment where they feel valued, heard, and protected. Our programs are designed to foster trust, self-esteem, and mutual respect—key pillars for healthy childhood development.
We are proud to have a team of dedicated and trained professionals who support children in their growth, instilling values of tolerance, empathy, and solidarity. Through sport and education, we promote positive coexistence and peaceful conflict resolution, essential tools to prevent and eliminate bullying.
A troubling reality that concerns us all
Recent data on school bullying in Spain is alarming and calls for immediate action. According to the 6th report “The opinion of students” by the ANAR Foundation and the Mutua Madrileña Foundation, 9.4% of students report being victims of bullying and/or cyberbullying. Additionally, nearly half of students (47%) admit to not intervening when witnessing a peer being bullied, highlighting the persistent “law of silence.”
Another study by the Cotec Foundation reveals that 35.2% of students have experienced bullying, with 44% of them suffering physical violence. Furthermore, over 80% of aggressions against minors take place on social media, with seven out of ten being hate messages.
These figures reflect a reality we cannot ignore. Bullying has devastating consequences on children’s mental and emotional health, impacting their self-esteem, academic performance, and social development. It is a serious issue that demands a united and decisive response from society as a whole.
A hopeful future: education and sport as tools for change
Despite the seriousness of the issue, we firmly believe in the transformative power of education and sport. Both are powerful tools for promoting values of respect, inclusion, and cooperation from an early age. Through our initiatives, we have witnessed how teamwork, discipline, and personal growth help shape empathetic individuals committed to their communities.
On this International Day Against School Bullying, we call for collective action. We invite families, educators, institutions, and society at large to join us in building safe and respectful environments for all children.
Only through shared commitment can we eradicate this scourge and ensure a future where children grow up free from violence, able to reach their full potential in a peaceful and caring environment.