KUALA LUMPUR: The growing trend of negative behaviour in schools must be viewed in a broader context, not just as isolated disciplinary breaches, says Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad.
He acknowledged that statistics indicate various cases of misconduct, including sexual harassment and bullying, are being reported in schools nationwide.
"This issue requires the attention of all parties. We must sit together, develop strategies, launch initiatives and work collectively to fix the situation," he said in his speech at the launch of the police Anti-Bullying Campaign Programme on Tuesday (Oct 14).
Azam stressed that ignoring the issue would only make it worse.
"If everything is swept under the carpet, it will never be resolved.
"This phenomenon is like a thorn in the flesh, or an atomic bomb waiting to explode.
"That is why what is happening now must be addressed immediately," he said.
He said there is a need to develop new initiatives to educate the younger generation effectively.
He also reminded school administrators, as well as state and district education directors, to play a stronger role in planning strategies related to the education system and students’ character development.
"They must be more energetic and strategic in managing these issues because the children of today are not the same as before.
"In the past, we lacked information, but today, there is an overwhelming flood of information, to the point that it can threaten students themselves," he said.
Azam reiterated that collective effort, proactive planning and swift action are essential to curb the worsening trend of misconduct in schools.
