KUALA LUMPUR: The incident of a father losing his temper in front of a school due to his son's hair being cut without permission could have been averted with better communication between teachers and parents.
West Malaysia Malay Teachers Union (KGMMB) president Juhari Mohamad Nor said the issue could have been resolved harmoniously.
"Such incidents should not happen. This issue can be resolved harmoniously using several methods such as meetings between parents and teachers, where we can strengthen communication between both parties in person.
"This also can be done through discussions or periodic meetings with students who need attention."
Juhari said the second approach is to establish communication through technology since every school has WhatsApp groups between classes and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
"So, teachers, counseling teachers, or administrators can contact the parents first. Through this method, it may be clearer before they come to school and confront the teachers," he said.
Earlier, a video went viral showing a father losing his temper in front of a religious school because his child's hair was cut by a teacher without permission.
The teacher did so because the student violated the rules by keeping long hair.
In the closed-circuit television (CCTV) recording that went viral yesterday, the man came to the school and scolded the teacher in front of his child and several other individuals.
Juhari also said written communication should also be considered.
"The school or teacher needs to send a letter to the parents if necessary. Parents need to be informed about what the school plans for the students.
"In this case, I believe there might have been a misunderstanding where the information conveyed by the student was inaccurate, leading the father to lose his temper.
"So, I think to rectify the situation, we need to strengthen our relationship with parents through communication.
"From face-to-face and technological communication to written communication, hopefully, this incident will not happen again," he said.