KUALA LUMPUR: The government and the public must take an uncompromising stance against bullying in schools as the problem is escalating and must be dealt with decisively, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said the recent spate of high-profile bullying cases in several schools has raised serious concerns among not only the parents of the students involved, but also the community, which is concerned about the growing incidence of cases.
"School bullying... must not be accepted as a norm.
"It must be tackled and addressed effectively through an aggressive stance, (to show) that bullying is intolerable and unacceptable," he said when contacted on Tuesday (Aug 12).
Lee urged the Education Ministry to review its standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines, which he described as outdated and no longer effective in addressing current challenges.
"One possible measure is to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in schools to aid investigations when complaints arise.
“Not all schools may be able to afford CCTVs, but where possible, they should be installed,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of equipping teachers with the skills to detect and address bullying at an early stage.
"Training should begin from preschool, where social interaction habits are formed, and include practical methods of intervention.
"If preventive measures fail, the government should consider specific legislation to address bullying in schools, though laws should be the last resort.
“What is needed is for the ministry to adopt practical, realistic and workable measures that can effectively tackle the problem,” he said.
