Trace reason before suspending bullies: Parent Action Group
Published on: Thursday, October 20, 2016
Kuala Lumpur: The one-year suspension of primary and secondary school students involved in bullying should be implemented as a last resort. Finding out the underlining reasons should be the main concern before implementing suspension as doing so might result in things getting worse, said Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim. "The bullies should be confronted first and if the source of his or her action can be traced, schools can take action like sending the student for counselling.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Some students tend to bully others when they have family problems or if they want attention from others. "If the reason cannot be traced, only then suspension should be implemented." Azimah said suspending the bully for a year and not doing a follow up on him or her may deter the main purpose of the suspension. "The bully may have nothing to do for one whole year, which may not serve the purpose of suspending him. "During this period, there should be a programme for him.
ADVERTISEMENT
"The programme, other than community service as mentioned by the education minister, should also include lessons. "This would allow the bully to continue his studies without feeling left behind."
ADVERTISEMENT
She said by not including lessons in the programme, it may demotivate the bully to continue his studies and, instead, he may end up indulging in negative activities. On Sunday, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the ministry would get feedback from the public on the plan to enforce a one-year suspension for students involved in bullying cases. Malacca Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) chairman Mak Chee Kin supported the suspension, saying it would make parents more concerned and responsible in educating their children. He said bullying cases in schools occurred because parents failed to educate their children on how to respect others, especially their peers. "Cases of bullying often involve students who come from broken homes or those with parents who are busy with work and neglect them," he told the New Straits Times yesterday. He, however, said the proposed one-year suspension was too long and that punishment should be meted out based on the seriousness of each case. Mak said a suspension of between three and six months was sufficient for the less severe cases. During the suspension period, the bully's time must be filled with meaningful activities, such as counselling and community work, to ensure other problems do not crop up. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
