Selangor has outlined a six-part framework to address bullying in its schools. — Filepic
SELANGOR has outlined a six-part framework involving police cooperation, counsellor training and digital safety education to address bullying in schools.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who oversees the state’s education portfolio, said the strategy would be implemented with the state Education Department as the lead agency.
“The first measure will be to strengthen the state’s community taskforce, involving the police, district offices, Selangor Islamic Religious Department and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, to monitor and prevent bullying.
“Other stakeholders involved are district offices, zakat authorities, National Unity and National Integration Department, National Population and Family Development Board, community leaders and NGOs,” he said.
The second component focuses on mental health training for counsellors and peer supporters in all districts, using the Healthy Mind Intervention Programme Module.
“We will train trainers in mental health interventions to strengthen school-based support systems.
“The third measure targets school staff, with additional training for discipline teachers, counsellors and administrators to identify bullying,” he said, adding that this follows an Education Ministry circular on managing bullying.
“Educators will be equipped with the skills to detect root causes of bullying and respond appropriately,” said Amirudin.
For the fourth measure, he said, the state government would work with the police, which would see liaison officers in primary and secondary schools, who will also conduct surprise checks and safety patrols.
The fifth measure involved strengthening Crime Prevention Clubs across all schools, he said.
“These clubs will receive support and guidance from school liaison officers.
“The sixth focuses on digital ethics.
“Education on cyberbullying and online safety will be delivered to students, teachers and parents,” he elaborated.
He said this in reply to Muhammad Muhaimin Harith Abdullah Sani (PN-Batang Kali) who asked about the state’s plan to address bullying in state schools during the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam yesterday.
Amirudin said the state was also carrying out direct programmes through schools and communities.
“We have organised carnival- style activities such as marching competitions for over 5,000 students in uniformed bodies, emphasising ethics and managing relationships with teachers, families and peers,” he said.
Amirudin said the state government had also provided assistance to schools facing specific bullying-related challenges.
“We are prepared to improve access routes to public transport as well as instal security equipment, including face-recognition registration systems.
“This will be done on a case-by-case basis so we can address issues more effectively,” the Mentri Besar said.
The state is also expanding leadership camps to train prefects, class monitors and student leaders to monitor their peers.
“To increase parental involvement, the state plans to allocate 10% to 20% of school assistance funding to parent-teacher associations,” he said.
However, Amuridin did not provide a timeline on when the measures would be fully implemented.
