School Bullying Cases Must Be Treated As National Priority - Lee

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Bullying in schools must be treated as a national priority and not merely as a disciplinary issue, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said the recurring and distressing cases of bullying in schools require urgent and comprehensive action from the Ministry of Education (MOE) to ensure students are protected from physical, emotional and psychological harm.

“No child should be subjected to physical, emotional or psychological harm within an institution meant to nurture their growth, values and future. We urge the MOE to treat the issue of school bullying with the seriousness it deserves. 

“Bullying in schools is not just a disciplinary issue, it is a serious social problem that can leave lasting scars on victims and damage the fabric of our learning environment,” he said in a statement today. 

He urged the ministry to implement robust anti-bullying policies across all schools, focusing not just on reactive disciplinary measures but also prevention through education, awareness and early intervention.

Lee said teachers, counsellors and school administrators also must be trained to identify signs of bullying early, to intervene effectively and to create a school culture where kindness, respect and inclusion are consistently practised and reinforced.

“There must also be greater accountability and transparency in dealing with all reports on bullying in schools. Parents must be informed and involved when bullying incidents occur, and students should feel safe reporting such cases without fear of retaliation. 

“A safe and supportive school environment is not a luxury, it is a basic right for every student,” he added. 

To support long-term efforts, Lee proposed the creation of a national database to track bullying cases, monitor trends and ensure appropriate follow-up action is taken.

“Only by confronting the problem head-on, with a clear and sustained national strategy, can we protect our children and help them thrive and succeed,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA