Bullying not just a discipline problem but a child safety issue, says Suhakam

 The office of the children’s commissioner says the issue cannot be the responsibility of the education ministry and schools alone.

According to the report, 27% of Malaysian students reported being victims of at least one form of bullying several times a month or more. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Bullying cannot be addressed merely as a matter of school discipline or management, but must also be treated as an issue of safety and well-being, says the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

Suhakam’s office of the children’s commissioner said the issue could not be the responsibility of the education ministry and schools alone.

“All children should be able to attend school without fear of humiliation, violence or harassment. A safe learning environment is fundamental to children’s ability to learn, develop and participate meaningfully in education.

“Communities must foster a culture of care, empathy and responsibility, with members of society embracing ‘jiwa pendidik (a teacher’s spirit)’ – a willingness to guide, educate and protect children wherever bullying occurs,” it said in a statement today.

The office was referring to the findings on bullying and cyberbullying in the education ministry’s early report on Malaysia’s achievement in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment.

According to the report, 27% of Malaysian students reported experiencing at least one form of bullying several times a month or more, compared with 20% across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

The Suhakam office also highlighted the finding that 5% of Malaysian students reported that hurtful information about them had been posted online without their consent, compared with 3% across OECD countries.

“Bullying is no longer confined to the physical school environment. Technology can allow harassment to continue after children return home, including through phones, chat groups and other digital spaces.

“Addressing bullying therefore requires a whole-of-system and whole-of-society approach. Parents and guardians have an important role in providing guidance, values and positive behaviour at home,” it said. - FMT