Bullying is defined as the recurring and deliberate injuring of one person or group by another person or group. Bullying can be physical or verbal and can also happen online nowadays.
Sometimes this behaviour is repeated over a period of time. Children who are bullied can be traumatised. Those who bully others may have serious psychological problems.
Bullying can happen anywhere when groups of children meet – at school, in camps, after school hours, and in colleges and institutions of higher learning.
Those most vulnerable to being bullied are children who are less popular or who are perceived as ‘different’ or weak. In tertiary institutions, bullying of freshers is quite common.
Bullying in schools and colleges is now a serious problem, as seen by the expulsion of students arising from a recent incident in Malacca.
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Of late, several high-profile cases have arisen. The Defence University incident where a student was tortured to death sent shockwaves through the nation and brought the issue to national attention.
Recently, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek ordered an investigation into allegations that a student at a school in Sabah was bullied in 2023, resulting in his admission to hospital.
Nipping bullying in the bud
Since then, the authorities, schools and parents have shown greater interest in the subject. They are ensuring more vigilance and scrutiny on the goings-on to ensure that bullying is checked and nipped at source.
The authorities and parents recognise that bullying affects children. Many endure physical violence and severe injuries. In some instances, bullying has led to death.
In recent years several academic papers have been published on the issue of bullying. This has led to increased consciousness of the need to rein in on the abuses inflicted by bullies on helpless students.
Bullying takes place at all levels, from primary, secondary and college levels. With the advent of social media, many of these bullying cases have gone viral.
Parents and authorities are shocked to see the kind of physical abuse the gangs inflict on their victims.
Now, parents are assuming proactive roles. Schools should keep constant watchfulness to ensure that even trifling issues are nipped in the bud.
Schools and colleges must place great emphasis on extracurricular activities, especially sports-related activities, to ensure a better bonding of students.
Reports should be made to teachers and principals when bullying takes place within the premises or even outside school hours. The authorities should then take remedial action immediately.
Bullying in offices
Bullying in offices is sometims condoned by some bosses and their cohorts. Some of the forms of bullying include constantly criticising someone’s work, spreading malicious rumours about someone and repetitively putting someone down in meetings. Sometimes it is done in a subtle manner by deliberately giving someone a heavier workload than everyone else.
I knew of a bully at one government agency – a senior officer who was a buddy of the boss. He used to intimidate junior staff, making them do errands for him. He was fond of using vulgar and abusive language.
Out of fear, many just kept quiet knowing this nauseating character’s vindictiveness. Some feared they would be denied their promotions and other perks if they confronted this bully. So, most of the staff took his humiliation and some suffered in silence.
If anyone stood up to this bully, he would spread malicious lies to the boss and ensure the staff paid a price. The staff would then be reprimanded by the boss for an ‘offence’ he or she did not commit.
Nevertheless, one courageous officer stood up to this bully and it almost ended up in fist fights. But he paid a price for his bravery. He was denied what was due to him, but he had no regrets. He was dictated by his convictions to stand up for what was right.
Today, this bully is paying a price for his past misdeeds and nefarious behaviour. I guess nature has its way of retribution.
Cyberbullying – a recent form bullying
Newer forms of bullying have emerged over the years, especially with the advent of the electronic and social media. Cyberbullying is now a new phenomenon that has sprung up and is a growing menace.
The use of electronic devices has enabled the sending of messages of intimidation, of a threatening nature or the circulation of embarrassing personal information.
Parents and teachers have been advised to tell those affected to ignore such negative information. Victims should block the parties and report such incidents.
Usually, the bullying element in the videos circulated contains false information, aimed at tarnishing the individual’s self-respect. Although it’s a relatively a new phenomenon, extensive studies have been conducted. Victims feel a loss of self-esteem, suffer from depression and have learning difficulties.
Teachers and parents should assume greater supervision in the use of social media and devices used by children. Close monitoring and supervision are required, emphasising that social media platforms should not be abused by sending out intimidating messages.
More guidance, restricted use of social media and inculcating a sense of responsibility are ways to curb cyberbullying. A watchful eye has to be kept, as surveys have shown that a good percentage of secondary school students aged 13-17 have experienced some form of bullying.
Rectors at universities and colleges and principals and teachers in schools must be vigilant and investigate all complaints pertaining to bullying. The public and private sectors should also have a channel for those bullied by bosses and officers to investigate all complaints without fear of favour.
Stringent disciplinary action must be taken to curb this malice afflicting our society. If necessary, legislation must be passed to show the government’s abhorrence of bullying.
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