Even when I was at school in the 1960s, bullying was a phenomenon. Some students who belonged to gangs. They would prey on weaker students and extort money.
We had a Scotsman as our principal. He would walk around the school with his cane in his hand. His leadership made the difference.
If an educational system does not recognise this reality, it shows where we are in our educational journey. In Malaysia, the tendency is to blame the authorities and everyone else, but no one specifically.
We never assign accountability and responsibility to anyone – a specific individual. No one is punished but the bully. It is too late to reform the bully, as the school has tolerated this behaviour for far too long. It reflects the failure of the education system and leadership as a whole.
The extent of bullying in our schools indicates this lack of accountability. If there is one specific area where I feel the prime minister and the “Madani” (civil and accountable) government has failed, it is in education. The Ministry of Education lacks vision and foresight.
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I assist at a school where I have an oversight responsibility. Being a boarding school, we conduct a programme annually – an anti-bullying week. During this period, everyone is made aware of nature of bullying. External speakers, including from the police, are called in to give talks.
Students are empowered and given practical tips on what they can do when and if they are bullied. Bullying takes place for several reasons: money, girlfriends, relationships, jealousy and a desire to hurt others.
Videos are shown. Bullies get the message about the repercussions if they continue to indulge in such activities. Bullying is like an addiction. Education is important, but more significantly, the bully must get the message that there are serious repercussions.
You get treated the way you want to be treated. Students are clearly informed about boundaries and punishments. Parents are called in. Often after the second occasion, they are suspended from school, leading finally to expulsion.
Students are clearly told that bullies are cowards. They prey in numbers, and it is our responsibility to expose them. Response cards are shared among students so that they can inform authorities without identifying their names or details.
Several suggestion boxes are placed throughout the school premises. These are regularly checked by either the security or counselling department. Every response card is taken seriously, as this feedback alerts everyone.
Students are assured of safety. Teachers and the school principal are held fully accountable. Teachers are told to be sensitive about signs and indications from students’ behaviour to detect evidence of such possibilities.
Over a period of years, teachers and school authorities notice the tendency of some students to bully others. Such students are placed under close monitoring. Symptoms like stealing and behavioural problems can, over time, help in the detection process.
The counselling department also plays an effective role in ensuring that such behaviour will not be tolerated in the school. Vulnerable students are called in for personal counselling. Students are the best whistleblowers when fear is removed. They must have faith in the school leadership and trust their teachers.
In addition, CCTV cameras are placed around the school premises. These act as a deterrent. Ultimately, the principal is held fully accountable. When this is clear, then he or she takes charge and ensures that such indiscipline is dealt with immediately.
All said and done, even with the best rules and regulations plus technology, the fact remains that these only act as deterrents while also providing, on occasions, much-needed evidence. Bullies are also intelligent enough to beat the system.
We witness evidence of bullying even in Parliament. Recently, one MP challenged another to a fight outside the chamber.
We have a member from Malacca who has become emboldened because no one disciplines him. Such individuals should know the boundaries within which they operate. His regular outbursts only highlight the lack of commitment of the national unity minister and the prime minister. If national unity is sacred, then we will stand up to defend it, regardless of politics.
These are examples used to highlight the failings of the Madani government.
Furthermore, if children come from broken families where they have witnessed much violence, then they are prone to express themselves by bullying others. The school becomes an arena for their expression. Societal influence, films which portray a ‘macho’ image, and violence all contribute to this
Students who come from families affected by alcoholism or drug abuse, poverty and domestic abuse have to be educated in the knowledge that there are boundaries they must work. Otherwise, they will be held accountable by schools and society.
Where else is this possible but in the school, which attracts students from all segments of society. This is not an ethnic issue. Bullying transcends race, and the best evidence of this is during the ragging season. It is an expression of raw power based on deep insecurity.
Like the speaker of Parliament, the principals should be held fully responsible. If they know what this means, they will ensure that details and indicators are spelt out and measures taken to ensure that bullying is nipped in the bud.
When death and serious injury takes place, this reflects a failure by school authorities, as they have tolerated or ignored this aspect until it has become serious. Everyone pays a high price, and a life of immense possibilities is snatched away from us.
Why do we only act when it is already too late? Has the death of someone’s child become the price we pay to make a difference? Our indifference does not help either.
“I allowed myself to be bullied because I was scared and did not know how to defend myself. I was bullied until I prevented a new student from being bullied. By standing up for him, I learnt to stand up for myself” Jackie Chan once said.
Can our system of education empower students to stand up?
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
