The recent spate of negative news about our schools doesn’t bode well for the image of Malaysia’s education system.
These incidents, ranging from misconduct, suicide and bullying to crimes like rape and murder, indicate that something is wrong.
We cannot take these matters lightly and must address them right away.
However, we must also admit that these issues are not new, although the severity has increased.
Back in the 1960s, there was no social media, so news of such cases did not spread like wildfire.
I vividly remember in 1973, during the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations, a schoolmate of mine committed suicide due to stress-related issues. Our then headmaster, Mr Ajmeer Singh, came straight to the school hall after one of the papers to inform us of the incident.
Gangsterism was also prevalent during the 70s and 80s. Even during my teaching days in the 90s, I knew of students trying to set fire to classrooms. Extortion was all too common.
Sadly, what we are reading about now is not a surprise, although this sort of thing should never happen in schools.
When there are 700 to 800 children, it is not an easy job to monitor the moods and whereabouts of each and every one. Teachers are already overloaded with their duties, on top of having to look after 35 to 40 students in a class.
In those days, public caning and the expulsion of students for severe misconduct kept discipline under control to a certain extent.
With hundreds of schools in every state, deploying police personnel to schools is neither possible nor practical.
Schools must implement guidelines that promote safety – for example, girls should go to the washroom in pairs.
Teachers must make sure they are punctual for lessons, as incidents of misconduct often take place when no one is in class.
As a deterrent, stern action must be taken if students are spotted loitering.
Schools also need to be given more authority to maintain discipline and security in their premises. No unauthorised person must ever be allowed into the compound.
Schools have to be more vigilant and proactive nowadays to prepare for the unexpected. At boarding schools, teachers and wardens must be extra alert, as many untoward incidents have been reported there.
Parents too play a decisive role. They have to monitor their children at all times. Parent-teacher associations also need to play an important role, lending full support to school administrations.
It is no joke managing a school, what more with all the restrictions and constraints.
Collective effort is essential to ensure that schools are safe places where parents can confidently send their children to gain knowledge, wisdom and moral values.
THIAGAN MATHIAPARANAM
Retired teacher
Klang
Note: Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or email sam@befrienders.org.my).
