By Dr Aliyyah Mohammad Khuzaini

In the wake of a distressing incident where a young boy allegedly felt compelled to run away from his boarding school due to relentless bullying, the spotlight has once again shifted to the pervasive issue of bullying in schools.

As communities grapple with the consequences of unchecked bullying, it becomes imperative to focus on proactive measures, with parents and teachers at the forefront of combating this disturbing trend.

Recognising bullying behaviour

It cannot be emphasised enough that parents and teachers must collaborate to educate students on recognising bullying behaviour. Stressing empathy and fostering an environment where children feel safe to report such incidents are essential.

Schools should implement regular workshops to sensitise students to the signs of bullying and encourage open communication.

Secondly, creating a supportive home environment is pivotal. Parents play a crucial role in instilling empathy in their children. Encouraging open conversations about feelings, teaching conflict resolution, and setting positive examples can shape children’s attitudes toward others.

By fostering a sense of responsibility and kindness, parents contribute significantly to the prevention of bullying. We are not invincible to becoming bullies or raising one of them. This must be talked about at home.

Although it is acknowledged that teachers’ burden is already overloaded, teachers should still receive specialised training in identifying and addressing bullying. School administrations must invest in professional development programmes that empower educators with the tools to intervene effectively. Establishing clear reporting mechanisms and consequences for bullying incidents will create a safer learning environment. Higher authorities should explore ways to reduce teachers’ burdens in administrative tasks to support this.

Culture of inclusivity

Schools need to actively promote a culture of inclusivity, celebrating diversity and discouraging exclusionary behaviour. Incorporating anti-bullying campaigns into the curriculum can reinforce the values of respect and kindness.

Students should be encouraged to form alliances against bullying, fostering a collective responsibility to create a nurturing school environment.

Subsequently, effective communication between parents and teachers is paramount. Regular parent-teacher meetings should include discussions on anti-bullying initiatives and updates on the school’s efforts. Transparent communication channels help in addressing concerns promptly and collaboratively.

Role of media

In addition, media outlets play a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes. It is imperative for the media to contribute positively by highlighting anti-bullying initiatives, sharing success stories, and educating the public about the far-reaching consequences of bullying. By leveraging their influence, the media can significantly contribute to fostering a society intolerant of bullying.

We must all work collaboratively to normalise conversations about bullying. Regular forums, seminars, and community meetings can provide platforms for discussing preventive measures, sharing experiences, and fostering a deeper understanding of the issue. By making anti-bullying discussions a routine part of our societal dialogue, we can create a culture that rejects bullying at its core.

It is crucial to shift the narrative surrounding bullying from reactive responses to persistent, proactive conversations. The recent incident serves as a stark reminder that addressing bullying should not be reserved for moments of crisis. Rather, it requires an ongoing, collective effort across all layers of society. By fostering empathy, providing education on recognising and reporting bullying, and implementing effective intervention strategies, we can create safer spaces for our children to learn and grow.

The time for action is now, and it begins with the collective commitment of parents, educators, media, and the entire community to combat bullying in all its forms.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Aliyyah Mohammad Khuzaini is Paediatrician and Medical Lecturer at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and an activist with Pertubuhan Kanak-Kanak Idaman Nasional (KIND).