Steep rise in school bullying cases

 

PETALING JAYA: Bullying cases in schools are showing an alarming increase with physical bullying being the most common form.

Last year, the total number of bullying cases was 3,448, a 14.5% increase from 3,011 cases in 2015.

In 2014, there were 2,901 cases.

Figures from the Education Ministry’s Students’ Discipline Misconduct System shows that there have already been 1,054 cases reported as of June this year.

There were 1,833 cases of physical bullying in secondary schools and 671 cases in primary schools last year, compared to 1,507 and 617 in 2015.

There were 706 physical bullying cases in secondary schools as of June this year while in primary schools, 106 cases were reported.Other cases also on the rise include social bullying such as spreading rumours, mocking and humiliating fellow students.

There were 144 such cases in secondary schools last year compared to 138 in 2015.

As of June this year, 30 cases were reported.

Such cases also occur in primary schools, which saw a slight decrease from 69 cases in 2015 to 63 cases last year.

Cases of verbal bullying and indirect bullying have also shown an increase especially in secondary schools.

Indirect bullying involves staring and giving rude or threatening gestures.