It is important to recognise that adults get bullied too

Our readers have their say on bullying, defence spending and the recent seat controversy on a plane

Bullying is a problem everywhere and among all age and gender groups. Getty

In reference to Sophie Prideaux's report 'Disturbing' Dubai bullying video causes Arab influencers to speak out (February 13): it is sad to see that the bully who appeared in the original video is now being bullied on social media herself. This is despicable behaviour that is as disgusting as the original video, if not more so, because you have adults joining in the abuse. These "influencers" and others like them have to be careful how they put out their message. If they can't direct it properly and "gauge the poison spilling" then they should stick to make-up and fashion, and leave this to authorities.

Many of them in their quest for more likes have managed to turn this young girl into a victim herself.

While it is commendable to fight bullying in schools and raise awareness about it among students, parents and the wider community, the matter should be left to the education authorities, schools and educators to deal with.

Dubai Student Council Facebook group

This does not just happen to children. This happens to adults as well.

Tanya Milbourne, Dubai

We survived. Stop creating a weak-minded society. People get bullied even in their adulthood. Life itself is a bully. Deal like the rest of us.

Lionel Joel, Dubai

Rise in defence spending makes no sense when poverty still exists

This refers to the report United States and China drive biggest global defence spending rise in 10 years (February 14): it comes as no surprise that there has been an increase in defence spending, especially as we live in a more competitive world. But it is a concern for all humanity that there are still many millions of people living in poverty and without basic needs.

In countries like India, where I come from, defence spending is increasing every year. And yet a large portion of the population is still battling for survival.

There should be some kind of control mechanism with respect to the allocation of defence spending in any given country – and it needs to kept in check depending on the situation on the ground.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat

It is the airline company that is to blame for the seat controversy

I write in reference to the article Right to recline: who is in the wrong in viral video of American Airlines passenger hitting woman's seat? (February 15): place the blame where it belongs. The airline companies and manufacturers are in the wrong. The seat space allotted amounts to cruel and unusual punishment and creates a health and safety danger.

Linda Pullen, United States