ACTIVE participation by parents must be part of the equation in tackling bullying in schools, say stakeholders.
Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim called on parents to be active in school communities by joining parent-teacher associations or school safety committees.
“Advocate for anti-bullying workshops, peer support programmes and positive school culture campaigns,” she urged.
She also suggested that parents teach empathy and respect at home by talking about bullying – what it is, why it hurts, and why standing up for others matters.
“Encourage children to speak up if they see or experience bullying,” she added.
On the Anti-Bullying Act 2026, Noor Azimah noted that parents must understand the reporting channels and how schools and the new Tribunal system operate – specifically when to report a case to the school and when it may go to a Tribunal.
She added that parents should help their children prepare clear information about incidents.
“Be emotionally available for children who have been bullied, respect the legal process to avoid escalation, and work with school counsellors and professionals to support recovery” she advised.
Adding on, Prof Dr Roziah Mohd Rasdi from the Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Educational Studies said parents need to step up when their own child is identified as the bully.
“The Tribunal requires parents or guardians to participate in counselling or parenting support sessions alongside the child involved in bullying behaviour,” she said.
She added that parents can support corrective measures by working with school counsellors to reinforce appropriate behaviour at home and help children understand the consequences of their actions.
“This reflects an important principle: addressing bullying often requires behavioural change within the family context as well as the school,” she said.
Building on this, Unitar International University Faculty of Education and Humanities executive dean Prof Dr Mallika Govindarajoo stressed that reducing bullying requires partnership between home and school.
“A school cannot combat bullying alone. Parents are essential to reducing bullying cases,” she said.
National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Fouzi Singon also pointed to the broader role parents play in shaping their children’s character, values and discipline.
“Parents and guardians must cooperate with the school to ensure harmony,” he said.
