New guidelines to deal with bullying, sexual harassment in schools

 

The education ministry says it views cases of bullying and sexual harassment in schools seriously. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: The education ministry is finalising new guidelines to address bullying and sexual harassment in schools.

It said a new Student Discipline Regulation is being drawn up to replace the Education Ordinance 1957 and the Education (School Discipline) Regulations 1959.

“The education ministry views issues of bullying and sexual harassment involving students in its affiliated educational institutions seriously,” it said in a statement today.

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“Various initiatives have been implemented to ensure enforcement of existing regulations, as outlined in ministry circulars, special memorandums and related guidelines.”

Other mechanisms established to address such issues include awareness campaigns through conventional and social media, integrated educational programmes, and intervention for victims.

The ministry said there are currently three reporting channels for the public, schools and parents onincidents of bullying and sexual harassment – a dedicated hotline, through email (adubuli@moe.gov.my), and the bullying complaint portal.

“All state education departments, district education offices and educational institutions have been instructed to adhere to the stipulated timeline for the prompt submission of information, reports and action related to bullying and sexual harassment to the ministry,” it said.

The ministry also said it is committed to maintaining the safety and welfare of all individuals within the education community.

“Therefore, there will be no compromise when it comes to addressing bullying and sexual harassment in all educational institutions under the education ministry’s jurisdiction,” it said. - FMT