Suhakam’s Children’s Commissioner's Office (OCC) has expressed alarm over the widespread circulation of photographs, videos, personal information, and unverified claims related to the children involved in a school stabbing incident on social media and messaging platforms.
“Such actions can cause lasting psychological harm, expose children to public stigma, interfere with investigations, and compromise their rehabilitation and future reintegration into society,” it said.
The OCC reminded the public, media organisations, and all online users that Section 15 of the Child Act 2001 prohibits the publication or dissemination of any information that may lead to the identification of a child involved in proceedings or matters protected under the Act.
“This prohibition extends to names, photographs, videos, school details, family information, addresses, or any other particulars capable of revealing the identity of the child,” it added.
The OCC further urged the public to refrain from speculation regarding the circumstances of the case, including the child's medical condition, disability, mental health, or alleged motive.
“Such speculation is irresponsible, risks prejudicing ongoing investigations, and may perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination.
“Recent media reports indicate that the suspect's legal counsel has stated that the child is autistic. Should this information be confirmed, the OCC stresses that disability must never be used to stigmatise, vilify, or incite hatred against any child,” read the statement.
Right to equal protection
The OCC noted that every child, including children with disabilities, has the right to equal protection before the law, dignity, non-discrimination, and access to appropriate support services.
“This incident should also serve as a reminder of the importance of strengthening violence prevention measures in schools through early identification of risk factors, accessible mental health and psychosocial support, effective child protection mechanisms, collaboration between schools, parents, and relevant agencies, and timely interventions that address the needs of vulnerable children before crises occur,” it added.
The 15-year-old student who is alleged to have stabbed a fellow student at a secondary school in Banting yesterday has been remanded for four days for further investigations.
The Form Three student who was injured in the incident is understood to have suffered at least 14 stab wounds, one of which punctured a lung.
The victim, the second of three siblings, was reportedly stabbed in the back and face before being taken to Banting Hospital for treatment. - Mkini
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