Bullying takes place in all countries and affects many children and young people. With the growing presence of online social networking platforms and access to them, cyber-bullying has extended the scope of bullying.

Bullying, whether psychological, physical or sexual including online, is a serious issue. According to OECD and UNESCO estimates, up to 30 % of students worldwide have experienced some form of bullying.

Bullying can have a lasting negative effect on the health, well-being and academic achievement of all students. By creating an atmosphere of anxiety, fear and insecurity, bullying has a negative impact on the wider school environment.

Bullying is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

We come together as ministers and high representatives in charge of education at the G7 Education Ministerial Meeting on July 4th, in Sèvres, France, to unite against bullying in all its forms, to declare that respectfulness is a fundamental principle for all and to help ensure that our schools are safe and welcoming places for all students.

G7 members recognize the efforts of the French Presidency to raise awareness and call for action to combat bullying. To help achieve this goal, France will work with UNESCO and other international organizations to host an international conference in Paris in 2020.