School Issues Statement On Alleged Bullying Involving Yasmien's Daughter

Bullying is a persistent issue in schools, and it's every parent's concern. Celebrity mom Yasmien Kurdi recently shared her daughter's alleged bullying experience at school on social media, drawing public attention. In response, a private school released a statement that denied her claims.

ALSO READ: Your Child Can Fall Victim To Bullying That Is Not Loud Or Physical

Yasmien Kurdi claims bullying incident involving daughter

Last week, Yasmien shared her 12-year-old daughter Ayesha's experience with bullying on social media.

In the now-deleted post, she detailed an incident from December 10, 2024, when Ayesha was allegedly "ganged up on" by some classmates for not responding to messages about their Christmas party while on a family vacation. Yasmien claimed the group blocked Ayesha from leaving the classroom during recess. Before this, she revealed that Ayesha had been filmed without her consent in a separate incident.

Yasmien continued to express her distress on social media, posting a photo of a polaroid picture of Ayesha cut into pieces a few days later.

Colegio San Agustin's official statement

In a formal statement issued on December 17, Colegio San Agustin Makati published a "Statement on Alleged Bullying of Mrs. Kurdi-Soldevilla's Daughter" that addressed the situation. It expresses concern that the matter involving minor students had been made public.

The school stated that there was no bullying that happened on December 10. Instead, they described the incident as a discussion among students about "Christmas party preparations."

"It is unfortunate that an incident among minor students have been blown out in the public. At the outset, there appears to be no bullying that happened on December 10, 2024, but rather a situation where students were discussing about Christmas party preparations," the statement reads.

It acknowledges Yasmien's statements and social media posts.

CSA assured the public that the issue had been promptly addressed with the involvement of students and parents. The school emphasized its careful and confidential handling of the situation, given that minors were involved. They also asked Yasmien to "cooperate with the school" to resolve the matter.

Moreover, the school urged Yasmien to avoid sharing more details about the incident publicly, as this could embarrass or harm the students involved, both within the school and beyond. While they acknowledged her position as a public figure used to media attention, they stressed the importance of respecting the privacy of everyone involved, especially the minors.

CSA reiterated its commitment to addressing bullying but cautioned against labeling typical student interactions as bullying, as it could impact the emotional and learning development of the students.

They concluded, "The school environment involves constant interaction among students, leading to a range of emotions, including joy, frustration, and anger. Over-labeling these interactions as bullying could disrupt students' learning and growth.

The school emphasized the importance of circumspection and reassured the public that the matter is being handled in proportion to the seriousness of the incident brought to its attention."

How to address bullying effectively

To protect your child and resolve the situation constructively, consider these steps:

Communicate with the school.
Start by reporting the incident to the school through official channels. Schools have procedures to investigate and address bullying while maintaining confidentiality. Open communication with teachers, administrators, or guidance counselors can help build a collaborative solution.

Document everything.
Keep detailed records of the bullying incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions. This documentation can serve as evidence in discussions with school officials or legal representatives. Having a clear, factual record ensures your concerns are taken seriously.

Support your child emotionally.
Ensure your child feels heard and supported. Create a safe space for them to share their feelings without judgment. If the bullying has caused emotional distress, consider seeking help from a counselor or therapist to help them process their experience and rebuild confidence.

Consider legal action if necessary
If the bullying is severe or the school fails to address the issue adequately, explore your legal options. Consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and possible steps to protect your child.

Avoid publicizing the incident
Refrain from sharing specific details about the incident on social media. While the intent may be to raise awareness, it could backfire by exposing your child and others involved to further harm. Public posts can invite public judgment, potentially escalating the issue and making resolution more difficult.

Click here to learn how you can protect your child from cyberbullying.