Bullying involves direct bullying or indirect bullying. Direct bullying is physical in nature while indirect bullying is more subtle, like putting the victim under stress (mentally or psychologically), social isolation, gossiping, damaging the victim's reputation or making obscene gestures.
In schools, teachers can play a vital role in preventing any act of bullying by creating a safe and supportive environment.
If teachers encounter any bullying, they must stop the incident immediately. Whatever steps they take, it is important for them to be actively engaged with schoolchildren to find ways to prevent it.
Recently, local reports said that the police had launched an investigation into a bullying incident involving the son of a local singer and other individuals at a boarding school.
Schools are not the only places where bullying happens. In 2017, the country was shocked over the tragic death of navy cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, a 21-year-old university student.
In this regard, a university needs to develop a clear and comprehensive policy which can address bullying effectively. Students and staff must work together to rein in bullying.
Perhaps, it's time to consider amending our existing Education Act 1996 [Act 550] or creating a new specific law which can effectively address the issue of bullying.
We can learn from the United Kingdom through the Education and Inspections Act 2006 in dealing with the issue of bullying. Reference can also be made to the United States, where all 50 states have their own anti-bullying laws.
We might need to create legislation to deter and punish anti-social behaviour, especially among children, teenagers and young adults. A strong law can also address other issues linked to bullying like youth delinquencies and gangsterism.
DR MUZAFFAR SYAH MALLOW
Associate Professor,
Faculty of Syariah & Law,
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)