BUKIT MERTAJAM – The Education Ministry has finalised the revision of its guidelines on preventing bullying in school and will now implement the latest updates.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that the new guidelines would serve as a force for all educators and administrators in the institutions under the ministry to apply in deterring any form of violence or intimidation, that may surface due to bullying.
It also involves all stakeholders from the police to teachers, guardians and the community.
Fadhlina said this when launching the revised guidelines at SM Sains Tun Syed Sheh Shahabudin here yesterday.
She said that the guidelines would include the need to incorporate the culture of human dignity in schools in spreading out the message of anti-bullying among students.
The guidelines also spell out what course of legal action can be taken against the perpetrators of such violent conduct, the Nibong Tebal MP said.
The guidelines also served as a guide for preventing any form of discrimination and sexual harassment at schools, as Fadhlina wants schools to become grounds for quality education.
Although bullying is regarded as under control, Fadhlina wants to see it totally eradicated from the national education system.
“Our emphasis must be on dispensing knowledge to all and to curb the climate of fear or intimidation. Hence, we want to stress on human dignity for all in the ministry.”
She also said that the guidelines will reach out to non-governmental organisations to aid teachers in seeking solutions to incidences of bullying.
It was reported that school bullying is a pervasive issue in Malaysia, affecting students, teachers, and parents alike.
Despite increased efforts to combat it, incidents continue to occur frequently.
Last year, by August, a total of 120 cases had already been reported. – The Vibes, September 23, 2023
